Open Source Web Development with LAMP: Using Linux, Apache, MySQL, Perl, and PHP

Open source technologies are providing developers with a range of more cost-effective, robust alternatives to commercial software for building dynamic, data-driven, secure Web applications. This practical guide presents a broad survey of LAMP technologies, and shows how these solutions can be implemented efficiently and securely while improving reliability and dramatically cutting costs. The book focuses on the most important core material necessary for the developer to hit the ground running and begin building applications right away, and shows the reader where to go to find comprehensive information on all the topics covered. The book introduces the pillars of open source development, and reviews the current techniques and standards for each. It shows what it is easily possible to do using them, what might be possible with more work, and how to decide which tool is appropriate for what task. In addition to the technologies in the subtitle the book also covers Embperl, mod_perl, Mason, and WML. The authors provide many examples, all of which are active on the companion Web site. Finally, the authors include extensive coverage of the security issues involved.