PHP Percolate, Season 8

NOTE: Since no member has stepped up to lead this group, we will begin as planned on Sunday, June 5 without a Senior Percolator.

PHP Percolate, our virtual self-study group focused on PHP, MySQL and related technologies, is returning for Season 8. With the release of PHP 7 in November 2015, PHP Percolate, Season 8 will focus on getting members up to speed on the basics of PHP starting with this significant upgrade.

The book we will use is Learning PHP: A Gentle Introduction to the Web's Most Popular Language (http://www.amazon.com/Learning-PHP-Pain-Free-Introduction-Interactive/dp/1491933577/), released on May 5, 2016. As the name implies, this is a gentle introduction (i.e. beginner level) course. If you are looking for a more in-depth look at what's new in PHP 7, check out Upgrading to PHP 7 (http://www.oreilly.com/web-platform/free/upgrading-to-php-seven.csp), a free e-book from O'Reilly.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51k9luIO1dL.SX379_BO1,204,203,200.jpg

The format of a virtual self-study group is as follows:

• Each participant obtains a copy of the same textbook: Learning PHP: A Gentle Introduction to the Web's Most Popular Language (http://www.amazon.com/Learning-PHP-Pain-Free-Introduction-Interactive/dp/1491933577/). If you are looking to purchase the Ebook version, O'Reilly has offered 50% off the regular price of $35.99 when you use this discount code: SVC1605AD and purchase direct from O'Reilly (http://shop.oreilly.com/product/0636920043034.do).

• Each participant commits to read one chapter per week, complete the exercises and post links to your completed work.

• Each participant obtains assistance by posting questions to a discussion area set up on the Boston PHP Message Board (https://www.meetup.com/bostonphp/messages/boards/thread/49823327/) for each chapter. Each participant will receive personal feedback, as well as, a weekly group e-mail update.

• Each participant who completes the book is recognized on the Self-Study Group | Wall of Accomplishment (https://www.meetup.com/bostonphp/messages/boards/thread/21414292). We currently have 76 successful PHP Percolate graduates.

Notes: There is no classroom instruction. There are no webcasts. There are no scheduled appointments of any kind.

Once you have access to the book, you simply proceed at a pace that best fits into your current work/life schedule. You DO NOT need to live in the Boston area to participate. Invite your friends, family members and co-workers to join in the fun!

How do I get started?

• Become a member of Boston PHP if you are not already a member. Simply click: Join us!

• Register for PHP Percolate, Season 8 (https://www.meetup.com/bostonphp/events/222697988/). Simply RSVP: Yes

• Obtain a copy of the book (the only program cost). Simply visit Amazon.com and order Learning PHP: A Gentle Introduction to the Web's Most Popular Language (http://www.amazon.com/Learning-PHP-Pain-Free-Introduction-Interactive/dp/1491933577/) in one of two formats -- paperback or Kindle.

When your book arrives, start your virtual learning by reading one chapter at a time, completing the exercises and posting a link to your completed work.

FAQs:

Q: How long will the course last?

A: We will cover 20 chapters in the book starting Sunday, June 5 and ending Saturday, October 22. Refer to the PHP Percolate, Season 8 -- Master Discussion List (https://www.meetup.com/bostonphp/messages/boards/thread/49823327/) for specific dates.

Q: Do I have to wait until Sunday, June 5 to begin?

A: No need to wait! Feel free to begin as soon as you obtain a copy of your book. Simply post a message on the Introduce Yourself: PHP Percolate, Season 8 (https://www.meetup.com/bostonphp/messages/boards/thread/49823345/) message board once you receive your book so that we can gauge participation. Then, proceed at a pace that best fits your current work/life schedule.

Q: Do I have to live in Boston to participate?

A: Not at all. This program is virtual. We have successful graduates from many states and even have graduates from countries in Europe and Africa.

Q: What if I have additional questions?

A: Simply post a reply below and you will receive a response.

Let's start Percolating!

Gene Babon
Chief Percolator

Note: Two early candidates for Season 9 are ...

PHP Web Services: APIs for the Modern Web (2nd Edition) (http://www.amazon.com/PHP-Web-Services-APIs-Modern/dp/1491933097/)

... published January 21, 2016.

PHP and MySQL Web Development (5th Edition) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0321833899/)

... currently scheduled for release on July 2, 2016.

Your thoughts about these and other intermediate level courses are welcome.