<p>PEAR is the PHP Extension and Application Repository, and is a framework and distribution system for reusable, high-quality PHP components, available in the form of "packages". <br /><br />In this book, you will learn how to use a number of the most powerful PEAR packages available to boost your PHP development productivity. By focusing on these packages for key development activities, this book is an in-depth guide to getting the most from these powerful coding resources.<br /><br />You will become a master of various PEAR packages that help you with the essential tasks of PHP development such as:<br /><br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Accessing databases with MDB2<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Displaying data in a range of formats (HTML, Excel spreadsheet, PDF)<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Creating and parsing XML documents<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Serializing PHP objects into XML, and unserializing XML documents to PHP objects<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Consuming and offering web services<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Accessing Web APIs including Google, Yahoo, Amazon, and Technorati</p>