So it's been a while...

[Kyttias]

Although I doubt anyone cares too incredibly much, I'm here to give some updates. In my summer absence, I have picked up two books on object-oriented PHP, one book on user interface design with jQuery/Javascript, and four books on game development (one for pure DOM Javascript, two for HTML5 Canvas, and one for Flash). I also picked up a book on theoretical artificial intelligence, but its for C# and not of that much use to me other than conceptually.

I'm a ways off from fully understanding the syntax and notation of object-oriented PHP by heart (believe me, I'm far more interested in my game development books) but this is all an effort that will help me understand the Mysidia framework more.

I'm building a test site locally from scratch without Mysidia, but it's only to make sure I understand the base concepts of PHP - sending form data via ajax to prevent page refreshes, session data, parsing url queries, and database interactions - all without object-orientation. Rather than try to learn it first, I'd rather get a real feel for how frustrating it is otherwise, that way I can appreciate it once I do get around to cracking open my other books.

My thoughts are also on security in terms of how to make sure data from 'games' can not be forged. We don't want cheaters.

Artistically, I've done little the past few months. I have a handful of concept art for my site on paper floating around somewhere, including a map.

Anyway, I'll leave you with a list of books I recommend!

Javascript/jQuery (or will require it):
- Javascript: Step by Step
- JavaScript and JQuery: Interactive Front-End Web Development
- jQuery Pocket Reference
- jQuery Game Development Essentials
- The Web Game Developer’s Cookbook
- HTML5 Game Development “For Dummies”

PHP:
- Beginning PHP and MySQL: From Novice to Professional
- PHP Objects, Patterns and Practice (there are newer editions)
- Object-Oriented PHP: Concepts, Techniques, and Code

Flash:
- Foundation Game Design With Flash

Keep in mind that there are often great deals on Amazon for used books. Some of these I picked up for less than $5!

 

[IntoRain]

Wow so many stuff to read! I really appreciate those links!

I'd say, don't worry too much about OOP for PHP, it's not really that important. OOP is an easy concept created to make stuff more logical and better organized, but not required for websites. It surprisingly works really well for pet sites (since you have many "objects" with many different attributes: pets, items, users, ...) though.
After you make a site from scratch (with database stuff too, at least creating/updating users and a login system) and look a bit into what OOP is, my advice is to work with a framework like Laravel. That is what will make you go "how did I live without this before??"

Ah, and good luck with your projects, you seem to be on the right way! I'm learning how to use HTML5 for games myself, but with the Zenva Academy free course, so let's see how that goes lol