With a syntax that is very interesting in C, PHP appeals to advanced programmers who move to the Web from traditional software development. Web Application Development with PHP 4.0 you do not walk-of-the-mill language tutorial. Assuming a strong programming foundation, this book can be regarded as the next-level PHP tutorial. Drawing on their own experiences about what is really important in PHP development, the authors dive into topics such as linked lists and associative arrays. This balance makes for a nice fit for developers who have mastered the basics, but are looking to hone their ability to move to the next level. The book also enter into how to extend PHP by modifying the Zend language engine via the company's source code C. Plain Topics covered: development planning, coding conventions, advanced PHP syntax, associative arrays, polymorphism and self-modifying code, application design, HTTP and sessions, PHP normal form, database access with PHP, PHP, and XML, and extending PHP Zend engine .