PHP-GTK is a library allowing PHP developers to create graphical GTK applications. Pro PHP-GTK by Scott Mattocks aims to teach this tool to people of all skill levels from those who can read PHP fairly well to professionals. This might make it kind of disturbing for the more advanced coder, because the book teaches even the most basic things like ”What is a GUI application?” and ”What are they good for?” Although the book is meant for beginning coders, too, it doesn't mean it should contain stuff that is aimed at people who know nothing about computers. Luckily, after a few chapters this problem seems to vanish.

After the basics have been taught, the book goes to how a real-life application would be built. It's a product information management system for a fictive corporation called Crisscott, inc. I think it's a very good choice for the example app. After all, developing such software is quite GUI centric and various widgets are needed. There are numerous example code listings. I feel that the vast majority of them are explained well enough to be understood.

In addition to the actual programming, the book also covers installing PHP-GTK 2 on Windows and Linux, and the installation of PEAR and PECL packages. The last chapter gives information on distributing applications, concentrating on PEAR but mentioning PHP compilers, too.

If you want a manual-like book, this one isn't for you. However I think it works very well as a tutorial-based approach to the subject. And as that's what the book aims to be, that's how I rate it. 8/10.

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