getting started from scratch

[sailsmart]

I have to say that Joomla really makes a difference to people like me
who need to use php but have no idea how to do the back end stuff it
requires. Got a Mambo book today because that's all Chapters had and
hope to ramp up the learning curve with some real detailed explanation
of behind the scenes. Knowing css really helped in changing the
template header I might add. Most of the time I learn by doing,
Joomla doesn't let you see the source as css does for any blog type
format. So, the architecture is a mystery from the outset. I'd like
to know how other people manage to create the top level elements- just
rename them and rewrite the content? Any help you can give is great.
Better still, how about a video?

[Michelle Bisson]

Hi Sailsmart,

In case you would like to order a Joomla! book, you can do so at the Joomla! Shop. We have the Amazon.ca Joomla! shop.  Any books that you order directly from the Joomla.org site, Joomla! will receive about 5%.  It is one of the ways that Joomla! is financed since it is a non-profit.  You can order any books even in other categories by clicking on the following link.

http://shop.joomla.org/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,44/

Michelle Bisson
Joomla! Core Team Member

[Ian MacLennan]

I have a 1.5 development book that I will bring to the show for people to take a gander at.  It is Joseph LeBlanc's book.  A bit outdated, as it was released before 1.5 was, but still decent.

Ian

[Michael Pinkus - Grape Guy]

Michelle ...

This is a private message because I do not want to see you as playing favourites with books ... (not sure if you could or not) - but for a relative novice which book would you recommend?

Michael

[Michelle Bisson]

I cannot say which book is the best.  I own "Beginning Joomla!" and I found it good. On our Joomla| Shop it is the most popular. But the other books may be equally as good.

If anyone else has read any Joomla! books, please feel free to comment here about how you liked/dislike the book as it may be helpful to others when selecting a book for purchase.

I just want to remind all to purchase Joomla! Books in our shop.joomla.org because Joomla! makes a (very) small commisson on every sale on everything that you purchase in the Joomla! Amazon shop (including non Joomla! items).

Please visit our shop, http:shop.joomla.org

Michelle Bisson
Joomla! Core Team Member