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Top Tutorials

Setting up PHP, MySQL and Apache on Leopard
Setting up a MAMP server on Leopard
Tutorial: Starting Subversion on Startup
Easy Guide to Installing PEAR
Enabling Root Access in OSX: Tiger | Leopard

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Dev News from the Web

Hosting Recommendations

A good host is hard to come by. For shared hosting, StringFoo recommends A2 Hosting. The price vs. feature set can't be beat. In fact, StringFoo.com and its sister sites, StringerSites.com and Lockbox.cc, are all hosted by A2. You can get perfectly adequate LAMP shared server for $3.95/mo.

For dedicated hosting for larger sites, we recommend Rackspace. While they aren't the least expensive host out there, their hand-holding and service are next to none. This can make all the difference on large scale sites. If you call them, please let them know that you were referred by Stringer Sites (they keep me in free t-shirts if you do).

Useful Stuff to Web Developers

Lockbox.cc - Secure Password Storage

LockBox is a free, secure repository for all of your sensitive bits of information. Examples include passwords, account log-ins, product serials and more. LockBox can store almost any information you want. How you use it is up to you.

Link: http://lockbox.cc

Free Tools

Code Packer: Packs your JS and CSS

A free online tool that quickly packs your JavaScript and CSS code for optimal download speed.

MyQuery Builder: Visual Query Builder

A free, open source, web-based tool for developers who need a visual tool to build MySQL queries quickly and intuitively.

Links:

Must-Own Programming Books

New to web development? Here are five books that absolutely must be on your bookshelf. I use them so frequently, my copies are dog-eared and coffee-stained. I'm even on my second copy of two of them.

PHP Cookbook

If you bounce between programming languages, and have to dust off the syntax, the PHP Cookbook is a fantastic resource. Well indexed, and exceedingly thorough, this book is a must-have.

Programming PHP

Programming PHP is also a must-have given its in-depth explanation not only of the lexicon and basics, but also its detailed explanations of some more advanced concepts such as object oriented programming, script security, error handling, and performance tuning.

High Performance MySQL

You'll learn more about optimizing MySQL in High Performance MySQL than you ever will from the MySQL manual.

JavaScript - The Definitive Guide

Fat. Definitive. Exhaustive. Terrible if you're human. Fantastic if you're a book. JavaScript - The Definitive Guide is the bible for JavaScript.

JavaScript & DHTML Cookbook

Look, ma! Stupid web tricks! Actually, this is a handy way to get up to speed on DHTML painlessly. Like the indispensable PHP Cookbook, JavaScript & DHTML Cookbook will quickly become your go-to reference for real-world JavaScript.

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Sponsors

About StringFoo.com

StringFoo provides tips, tricks, and tutorials about topics of interest to web developers of cutting-edge web sites.

About Stringer Sites

Steve Stringer Stringer Sites, LLC, is a Dallas-based web design firm specializing in custom web site and application development for businesses and professionals both here in Dallas and around the world.

Stringer Sites is run by Steve Stringer, an Adobe Certified Expert and a 12-year veteran of the software industry. With a unique background blending fine arts, software engineering, and business, Steve is able to tackle almost any creative software project. He utilizes tried-and true professional software development techniques to every project resulting in a well-planned, efficiently executed project every time.

Click here for Steve’s Portfolio
Click here for Steve’s CV

Our goal at Stringer Sites is to analyze your needs and tailor a comprehensive web solution that enhances your business. We take pride in our ability to provide professional, superior service throughout the project, and we treat each project like a partnership.

Stringer Sites is proud to offer a wide variety of Web Development Services, ranging from simple brochure sites to fully-featured e-commerce sites. Click here to find out more about these services and how they might be tailored to your next project.