I can't even get started!

[kevinoneill]

I'll apologize now, I'm really really lost.

Let me give you some history. I can code HTML, CSS, little Javascript, even littler VBA...and I just need some things clearing up that I just can't find anywhere on any tutorial site.

I'm on a Mac, does that mean I can't download/install PHP? I downloaded the PHP the FAQ directed me to, and its a ton of stuff that doesn't run on my comp. What is it suppose to be anyway? Just a 'machine' i'm not suppose to use, it just takes in php, and spits out data from my data base? And how will i create a database? Do i have to start the file? will the php create it for me?

Do I have to install php,mySQL to even start with this stuff?

When it comes down to it, all i want to do is create a small comment section for my website. Just a simple text window with a name field, and a comment field. Have them click 'submit' and have it post to the page.

As you can see, I'm just dazed and confused. Is php/mySQL what i should be learning to try to do this?

Any help to point me in the right direction would be nice.

Current Site...no PHP in site :(
http://homepage.mac.com/issues4/

[CornedBee]

You can't do PHP on a homepage.mac.com site. I don't think you can do any server-side scripting.

Still want to know all the other stuff?

[kevinoneill]

Ah yeah, I'm aware of that, I'm in the process of moving. And that is exactly why. :wave:

But yes, I'd like to know! :D

[kevinoneill]

What i need is a tutorial that will start from scratch and show a simple comment php script, step by step. Its hard to get into this not already knowing.

[Matt_T_hat]

What i need is a tutorial that will start from scratch and show a simple comment php script, step by step. Its hard to get into this not already knowing.
Your best bet is to get some cheap hosting. (I can sort you out some for about £5 for the year to just play with).

I take it you are fine with FTP?

make a page and put this in it:

<?PHP
echo "hello world<br />";
$myvar = "freddy";
echo "My name is $myvar";
?>
You can use notepad and save the file as something.php which you upload via FTP to the hosting. When you view it you will get:
hello world<br />My name is freddy if you look at the source of the page.

This is the first to things you will notice the way strings and variables are dealt with and the sintax is not so disimilar from javascript.

You have now made your first hello world and it's time I went to dig out some links for you.

[kevinoneill]

Ok that sounds good. I have a "php etc...valid" server, thanks for the offer though. How would I involve a database into this? Just an imput box for name, and then recalling all the names inputed.

[AIS4U]

kevinoneill:

Well, it is not quit that simple.

First you have to get a database program.

Probably the most common one to use with PHP is MySQl.

One main reason it is so popular is because it is FREE.

Just go to http://dev.mysql/downloads and you can get it.

Then you will have to create a database and write code with PHP to connect to the database and manipulate the data.

I found MySQL to be kind of difficult to configure the first time, but if you follow the instructions carefully you probably won't have any problem.

If you don't want to use MySQL you can use SQL or Access or lots of other database programs.

Good Luck

[ninjanutz]

im workin on something EXACTLY the way u want maybe wen i finish i can post the code for u unless u wanna do it from scratch

[kevinoneill]

I ended up finding another tutorial on it.

I haven't gotten to the point in my PHP career to code from scratch yet.

Check out what i eventually eneded up with.

www.ireKevin.com

its right there on the main page.

[kevinoneill]

:D

Let me know when you finish up yours. Maybe I can steal a few ideas from ya :P

Haha! :wave: