How Helpful are Computer Books?
I’ve noticed over the past couple of years, I’ve bought several computer related books. Several of them I’ve used quite a bit, while others were not used very much at all. One of the newest ones I have is called CSS Mastery. I bought this book after it was recommended by ClarkeW. Books like these are not really the type of book you just sit down and read, or at least, not for me. I use this type of book more for reference than anything. In my opinion, this is probably the best book I’ve seen on CSS.
Back about a year ago, I picked up a book called PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites. This one is a very useful book I think, yet I admittedly haven’t spent the time going through it that I should have. I still would like to as time permits. This is a subject that I would like to become a little more skilled in dealing with. Tons of web applications and CMS platforms are built around MySQL databases, WordPress and a whole variety of others.
So out of the few books I listed here, I probably get the most use out of the CSS Mastery book. The others, well not that much. I plan to get more use out of the PHP and MySQL book. It’s not the books fault I haven’t spent the time to learn it. I have several others I didn’t list here that haven’t been very useful at all. So is it worth it to buy these books? Most computer books are expensive. It’s cheaper if you buy online, but you don’t have the benefit of flipping through them first to see if they are what you’re looking for. Out of the ones I’ve bought, I’ve come to the conclusion that most have been a waste of money.
I think I might pick up the book on the WordPress if you think that it is worthy. I have a site up right now using the Misty template. I am not an expert at coding at all so hopefully the book will shed a bit of light on some things.
Hey Stephen, and welcome.
The Misty template is a popular and nice looking theme. As for the WordPress book, it depends on what your looking for. If you’re interested in changing up the look of your template, this book doesn’t really have any info about that. It mostly just explains the different features and options within the WordPress Dashboard, and it introduces you to some of the more popular plug-ins.
If you’re interested in changing up the look of your template, CSS Mastery would be a better choice. However, I would recommend tinkering with the stylesheet before buying a book. The book is more of an intermediate / advanced CSS book.
They can be good reference tools, but whenever I browse the computer books I always remember … my computer can’t read.
ha ha!
The thing about computer related books, too, is that you can usually find most of the information they contain online……if your willing to take the time and look for it. It’s much better organized in a book.
To find a solution to a specific problem I always have better luck online, but I think books are great for learning and building a strong foundation in CSS or pHp or whatever you’re studying … something I need to do.
I guess you’re right, Shane. However, judging by your site, it looks like you have a good understanding of CSS.
Yeah, looks good on the front … not so pretty on the inside. haha
It’s not too bad, but the code could use a good bit of optimization. I’m hoping to start clean from square one on my next design (whenever that’ll be)
I’m glad you liked CSS Mastery, I still use it for reference on a daily basis. I may have to check out your PHP and MySql book, because its definitely something that I want to get proficient at.
Shane,
If it’s messy under the hood, you can’t tell it by the appearance…….quite unique.
Clarke,
I’ve had my head in CSS Mastery quite a bit lately. I’m working on a theme that I may offer for download…..it will be, hopefully, my first of many. I plan to spend some time soon in PHP and MySQL. I think it’s a must considering all the CMS platforms that are so common.
Thats great your working on your own theme, let me know when you get close to finishing it because I would love to see it.
I would definitely like to do my own theme sometime, but I figure I have enough projects going on right now. Hopefully that will be a project for later down the road.
Yeah, I’ve been wanting to do a theme for some time. This one I’m working on right now has a very basic look, but it’s being built from scratch. All I really have left to do at this point is to customize the comment form and organize my stylesheet better. That is, unless I think of something else.
There’s always something else
Well, I’m actually done now with my theme…with the exception of working out a bug with IE6. The sidebar isn’t displaying correctly in Internet Explorer version 6. I know that is a very “buggy” browser when it comes to web standards. So I’ve got to do a little more reading on the subject and get that straightened out.
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I like this. However, whether the information provided herein is useful or not shall be decided by the specific outcome after putting into use in real world practice.
For me the best way to learn are online tutorials.