i commend those sources

literatur:

- Michael Seeboerger-Weichselbaum, PHP
   (Websiten dynamisch programmieren)
- Gregor Kuhlmann u. Friedrich Müllerstadt,
   MySQL mit PHP
- DAVE SHEA, the zen of css design

weblinks:

-  drweb.de
-  selfhtml
-  phpnet
-  css zengarden

webdesign

what is essential for a good design ?

I’m not going to count tricks, therefore are enough sides online. I rather try to define some conventions. to look at the graphical aspects I'm suggesting the concept: less is more!. also the right selection of colours is important, where you should be geared on the current trends.
the program design should be slight, too. unless you're using php in connection to mysql-database, you'll become pure. data encapsulation an object orientation are playing an immense role in sight of update ability and reuse ability. To re-invent the wheel all the time could be nice, but on the other hand it normally takes too much precious time. There are hundreds of scripts on the web, which are conjoined and implemented easily.
masters don't appear from nowhere!