7 New PHP Books Defining Web Development in 2025

Christian Wenz and Tobias Hauser bring together decades of experience in PHP development to deliver a guide that captures the latest evolution in server-side scripting with PHP 8. You’ll find clear explanations starting from PHP basics, like syntax and arrays, then progress through complex topics such as object-oriented programming, database integration with MySQL and PDO, and essential security measures against SQL injection and cross-site scripting. The book’s detailed code samples and practical examples help you build dynamic, secure web applications, making it suitable whether you’re just starting or deepening your expertise in PHP development.

What happens when a software developer with a clear mission to demystify PHP tackles the challenge of modern web development? Matt Smith delivers a book that spans from writing your very first script to launching a full-fledged dynamic website, all while emphasizing clean, maintainable code. You’ll explore critical topics like secure application design, database integration via PDO and ORMs, and implementing MVC architecture, supported by real-world examples such as building shopping carts and user authentication systems. This guide suits both beginners eager to learn PHP fundamentals and seasoned developers seeking to modernize legacy code without sifting through scattered tutorials.

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of PHP 8 as it stands in 2025, focusing on the latest language features and innovations that redefine modern web development. It covers practical examples that illustrate new capabilities such as enhanced type system support, attributes, and performance optimizations. The content matches your existing knowledge and interests, allowing you to dive deeper into topics that resonate most with your projects and learning goals. By concentrating on your specific objectives, this personalized guide offers a focused exploration of PHP’s cutting-edge developments and modern approaches that shape today’s coding practices.

This book addresses the growing urgency of securing PHP applications in an era of escalating cyber threats. Author Satej Kumar Sahu, drawing from his extensive experience in software security, takes you through a methodical exploration of PHP core security principles, including input validation and secure session management. You'll gain hands-on understanding of thwarting common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and CSRF, with a special focus on leveraging Laravel’s security features to avoid widespread pitfalls. If you’re involved in PHP development or security, this guide offers a practical roadmap to safeguard your applications against evolving risks, balancing foundational knowledge with emerging protocol security topics.

After analyzing numerous beginner struggles in web development, Sarful Hassan found a way to demystify PHP programming. This guide walks you through setting up your environment, mastering variables, control structures, and even introduces object-oriented programming and database interaction, all with clear examples and exercises. You'll gain a solid foundation in PHP syntax and practical coding skills to build dynamic websites. If you're new to programming and want a straightforward path into PHP without jargon overload, this book fits the bill, though experienced coders may find it too basic.

Drawing from his extensive experience as a PHP developer and interviewer, Konstantin Ryabichenko crafted this guide to tackle the challenge of preparing for PHP developer interviews comprehensively. You’ll gain mastery over core PHP concepts like OOP and data types, while also exploring advanced topics such as design patterns, high-load system optimization, and PHP 8’s latest features like JIT compilation. The book balances theory with practical coding challenges and mock interview questions, making it particularly useful if you want to sharpen your problem-solving and communication skills under pressure. Whether you’re stepping into your first role or aiming for a senior position, this resource equips you to anticipate what interviewers seek and present your expertise confidently.

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of PHP development with a focus on emerging trends and innovations anticipated in 2025. It examines how new features, best practices, and cutting-edge techniques can be integrated into your projects, matching your background and specific goals. By concentrating on your interests, it reveals how to plan and build PHP applications that stay ahead of rapid technological changes. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with the most relevant advancements, enabling a thoughtful understanding of how to adapt your coding practices and project strategies in a fast-moving environment.

What started as a simple challenge to make programming more accessible led Roy Sawyer to craft this approachable guide to the PHP GD Library. Rather than focusing on complex server setups, the book walks you through installing PHP on Windows and creating colorful images purely with code, using shapes like triangles and polygons. You’ll discover how to turn programming into a creative exercise, with 70 vibrant examples that bring the concepts to life. This book suits anyone curious about combining coding with design—perfect if you want to add visual flair to websites or just sharpen your logical thinking.

When Malik Tahir Nazir Sandila wrote this guide, he aimed to clarify how PHP and MySQL work together to build dynamic web applications. You’ll find clear explanations on how PHP scripts interact with MySQL databases to manage data—covering key operations like session handling, user input processing, and database queries. The book breaks down technical concepts into manageable parts, making it a solid pick if you're looking to strengthen your backend development skills with PHP and MySQL integration. If you want a focused introduction to these technologies without excess fluff, this guide fits well, though those seeking in-depth framework coverage might want additional sources.