Essential Algorithms, Syntax and Control Structures Using PHP and XHTML, Second Edition

Feedback from Students

"I am enjoying the class very much. I have picked up a couple books on php before. However, I never made it past the introduction because they don't cover the importance of algorithms. The books I looked through focused on examples of code, but not how and why. I feel as though this class is the missing link! I can't wait to start putting all the pieces together!"

Hi, Mike. Just wanted to comment on the course. . . I literally knew nothing about programming before this class. "HTML, PHP - what's that?";-) .. I am amazed with how much I learned! Your book was wonderful in explaining the (sometimes tricky) concepts. .."

"The class has been fun so far. the book is well written and easy to follow. "

"I enjoyed your class very much. I thought the book was very well set up and easy to follow for an on-line class. For me there was ample time to complete each assignment. I can't think of anything that would need to be changed. Thanks again and I look forward to taking JAVA next semester."

"The content is really interesting. I didn't know what to expect from this course but I've really enjoyed the content and like the subject matter. It's challenging, but the logical presentation makes it understandable. The textbook is good, well organized and set up in a logical fashion. I like that the skills that I learn the week before carry over into the next weeks lesson. "

"I have to say that as far as a textbook goes, this one is the best I have ever worked from ... my interest has been sparked in a big way. I love this course and definitely will be looking into others of this nature. I was a little hesitant about taking an online course in something that I had no previous knowledge about, but the book is clearly written with plenty of examples. It's a great reference - well worth every penny! .. There is enough time to be able to read the lesson, work through the exercises, and gain an understanding of the material between each lesson. I am definitely challenged, which I prefer, but not to the point of frustration. "

"I've found the course to be a valuable initial step into the web development field. It seems to offer a good overview of the field while teaching immediately useable skills. I'm enjoying the course. .. The text is thorough and written in clear language. The chapter quizzes serve as useful study guides. .."

"I think your book is one of the most easy to read computer programming books... No chapter is too lengthy or too complex based on what we've learned before. .. in the past, when I have tried to teach myself HTML or some VisualBasic, I hated trying to tease out the most important things from these huge books that are really more like encyclopedias than texts. "

"I think the course is really great. I took this course several years ago and struggled through it and therefore have not used the information since then. The book that was used at that time had some examples but you were not using any program to do any real hands on, which for me is the best way to learn. I really love the way the book is written. It is easy to understand and finally makes programming and logic make sense."

"Regarding the class, I am very happy with it so far and have had fun doing the assignments and reading the text. Specifically I like how the coursework is focused on web-based apps. HTML, CSS and PHP are all things I wanted to know more about before enrolling in the course. I think the textbook is highly readable .. Overall, I have already learned a lot about programming and am having a good time doing it and look forward to the rest of the course."

"I find the textbook extremely easy to follow. I've taken this class before and had to drop due to my load, and this time around it is much easier to follow. I'm learning things I wasn't able to pick up last time. Your step by step approach, and layman terms are helpful in learning programming, something that I would otherwise have a lot of trouble with. .. Everything is explained clearly and sectioned off. I am enjoying this class. I haven't run into anything that I haven't been able to find the answers right on your site. "

"First of all I had intended to tell you thank you so much for this textbook! My boyfriend gave me his programming book and I tried to get ahead but the book was...well. Horrible. I didnt mind paying for a book I didnt plan on because it is truly excellent. I have not looked at the powerpoints but I am sure others have if they don't have much computer knowledge. As far as the exercises go they are very good. I have actually enjoyed doing them… "

"The textbook is good, it's really easy to follow. I haven't really used the powerpoints mainly because it's just like the book and I would rather read the book and take notes in it. I'm sure that if I can't figure out something that I will refer to the powerpoints for further guidance. The exercises have been good so far. They aren't like easy but they aren't difficult..."

"I think you did a great job on the text. It reads exceptionally well and is very easy to understand. I've really enjoyed all the exercises thus far. I was even a little disappointed when I was finished and there was no more to do. I can't wait to learn more …"

"So far I've really enjoyed the class. The text is very explanatory, and I like that it's tailored specifically for this class. The powerpoints are very helpful, more so than I thought they would be, and the exercises are fun and challenging. As for the difficulty level, I think it's just about spot on, with a few simple exercises and a few harder ones. … I'm taking this class as part of an Information Systems degree, but it's already made me think more about programming. "

"I just wanted to say that the class is very interesting so far. I am always wondering if I am doing things correctly. The textbook is very helpful and so are the PowerPoint's. The material seems to be easy to understand to a point. I have to read it several times to get certain points. I think that is a personal problem and not the books. I think that this is a great class and I am enjoying it so far."

"I have already taken this course and have had a 5 year time out which requires me to retake it. I already feel that I am getting more out of this class than the one before. We seem to have done only flow charts. I don't remember writing very much code at all. But so far I am really enjoying the course."