Article
Databased Websites from Scratch
Where to now?
If you don't know HTML, leave this article now and come back in a couple of weeks when you've got the hang of coding HTML pages by hand. And if you rely on WYSIWYG editors such as Dreamweaver then the same applies: if you're not comfortable editing code by hand then you need to learn. It's not hard, trust me.
The easiest way to learn the languages you'll need in order to database your site is by taking one subject at a time. I've found that it's best done in this order:
- Learn PHP
- Learn MySQL
- Learn to use the PHPLib template system
PHP
Downloads
- php.net -- for source and binary packages
- PHP Triad for Windows -- complete server environment
- RPM packages for Linux boxes
- Or check your distributor's download page
Of course, there are many other ways to download PHP, but these are the easiest solutions for most people.
Setting up
If you decide not to use a 'ready-to-go' setup, the PHP manual supplies the best resources for installation on all systems.
The PHP manual is your best bet. Or you can try Kevin Yank's tutorials, which are part of his new book, including:
There are hundreds of tutorials to chose from on the Web. Simply run a search on Google and pick something relevant to your needs.
Beginners' tutorials
If you want to get started quickly, the best way is to try a couple of beginners’ tutorials and then move on to the manual and other online subject-specific tutorials.
- The PHP manual's beginner tutorial
- Your First PHP Script (SitePoint article)
- Zend.com's tutorials
Of course, there is a range of others but I think these three are probably the best sources for absolute beginners.
General tutorials and sources of knowledge
- The manual
- Zend.com's developer section
- PHPBuilder.com
- Devshed.com's PHP section
- O'Reilly's PHP tutorials
Again I have to say that there are dozens of online PHP resources but the ones listed above represent the best of what's out there.
Community forums
These sites are the best places to talk to other developers and get help with stuff that you can't find, or can't understand through the manual.
And there you have it! Bookmark this page, go have some fun, and when you're confidently embedding PHP into you HTML pages, come back and make a start on the next section.