Learning PHP/mySQL...

[RedFlag]

Hello,

I'm interested in learning how to use PHP to interact with mySQL databases. Where/how should I start?

I have some visual basic, C, and Access programming experience but nothing other than the basics. Obviously, the faster I can pick it up the better. Any suggestions on quality online tutorials or books? Thanks.

 

[Hullboy]

Hi RedFlag

I'm working through learning PHP/mySQL right now.

I'd recommend checking this out for basics:

http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/99/21/index2a.html

You probably already know about it but keep checking it out:

http://www.php.net

From php.net you can download the php proggie with dlls etc and a good readme file that has install instructions (or just get the auto install version).

For a book, check out the one everyone recommends:

mySQL by Paul DuBois (publishers New Riders) - everyone recommends this because there aren't many books on mySQL but also because it's very well written. It has a chapter on PHP with mySQL.

Hope this info gets you moving in the right direction!

 

[Damascus]

I like PHP Developer's Dictionary and PHP and MySQL Web Development, both
books are published by SAMS.

 

[RedFlag]

Thank you... anymore?

 

[RedFlag]

Another question. As a beginner will PHP and MySQL Web Development be over my head?

 

[Hullboy]

Not if you do your reading beforehand. I'm new to most of this and it is easy to pick up provided you take the time to understand the basics.

Once they are up and running it's surprisingly easy to get something running as a demo. My advice would be: do your homework. Think about what you want at each stage - ie how will the database be structured. What do you want users to see. How do you want your users to interact with data? The work out the overarching structure you'll need to achieve this, then work out the details for each area (mySQL, PHP, IIS) and how these all interlink. Then and only then start writing some code/markup. I've tried it the other way round and believe me, I won't be doing that again!

That said, I'm having trouble right now with IIS and PHP.

I've made a post in this forum but right now I'm no closer to solving my problem. I think a re-install is next in line! Check it out at http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=33&threadid=656276

My main problem is that I haven't taken the time to work out how PHP interacts with IIS and I don't really know the ins and outs of IIS - so now I'm forced to learn (damn, I was hoping to stay away from MS apps! maybe I'll reinstall first! - some people have said the CGI install is better)

 

[eplebnista]

Here are some other links to PHP/Mysql related sites.

Another PHP Site

Mysql Home

Manuals and Downloads

OSDN Link

Free Scripts

eplebnista

 

[Damascus]

I had no problems following the book and I all knew going in was that PHP
had C-like syntax. If in doubt, go to a bookstore and find the book.. then
you have the freedom of reading a few chapters for yourself before deciding.

 

[RedFlag]

Read the reviews on Amazon and I think my doubt has basically been removed... Thanks for your help. Are you available to answer questions if need be?

 

[Damascus]

<< Are you available to answer questions if need be? >>



Not particularly, what you should do is ask questions here so that the entire
power of AT may be harnessed.