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Where to look next

Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:43 pm
by Inkyskin
I have been developing in PHP for a long time, and a couple of months ago I started using classes etc, and moving to a more OO structured design system. I know there is still a LOT of this to learn, for example when I see the word Inteface within a class I'm flummoxed! Where's the best place to read up on this, and are there any good PHP OO books out there that you would reccomend? (I have been keeping an eye on the "I'm currently reading..." too!)

Cheers!

Re: Where to look next

Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 4:28 pm
by alex.barylski
Where's the best place to read up on this, and are there any good PHP OO books out there that you would reccomend? (I have been keeping an eye on the "I'm currently reading..." too!)
The ones I've read in the past were garbage. Demonstrating with horrible examples loaded with complex dependencies on HTML, file or MySQL connections -- bluck!!! :banghead:

I'd honestly suggest picking up a book on C++ or Java as their OOP examples are usually a little better. Try and find a book which doesn't use silly examples like a base Bird class and a Duck derived class.

While they might emphasize the point behind using OOP transcending into the real world with only those dumb examples will likely result in disheartening failure.

The best way to learn OOP is to keep asking questions here -- myself and others are sure to answer you with our best explanation. I've been passionately employing OOP practices for over 10 years now and I still teach myself something new everyday -- either through experience or reading a book.

You might want to begin readnig up on design patterns. They will benefit even the most seasoned veteran, for any other reason, than giving you a common vocabulary to express your questions or answers.

Re: Where to look next

Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 4:47 pm
by Chonk

Re: Where to look next

Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 5:39 pm
by Inkyskin
Thanks for the info Hockey, and the link Chonk. I think my main problem is that I have gotten so far, and now I'm not sure what to look at next. Being self tought, theres no one around to give me my next lesson plan if you get what I mean ;)

Re: Where to look next

Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 11:35 pm
by alex.barylski
Being self tought, theres no one around to give me my next lesson plan if you get what I mean
I know exactly what you mean amigo. I'm self taught too -- I think most of us around these parts are actually.

Go with picking up on objects -- it'll serve you better than anything. ;)

Re: Where to look next

Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:49 am
by flying_circus
I'm in the same boat you are. I can't tell you what book to buy, but I can tell you 1 book not to buy: Proffesional PHP 5 from wrox press. Worst book ever... From the miniscule learning I have accomplished, I am not sure if it was from the reading or researching trying to fix their horribly broken examples. :banghead:

Re: Where to look next

Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:25 am
by alex.barylski
It's funny cause I've had similar experiences with Wrox books -- yet one book I still own "Master Class Assembly Language" is amazing in it's detail and I've yet to find any significant errors. A real pleasure to read when I still had interest in learning assembler.

Re: Where to look next

Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 4:15 am
by Inkyskin
I dont have any wrox titles on my shelf, not for a long time ;)