New to PHP

[tibreum]

Hello, I've done some HTML and XHTML earlier but wanted to learn something more. So I thought I'd give PHP a try, however I couldn't even get passed the first page on the tutorial without getting confused.

- Install an Apache server on a Windows or Linux machine
- Install PHP on a Windows or Linux machine
- Install MySQL on a Windows or Linux machine

First one seems pretty okey, but install PHP? and install MySQL? I thought this were things the servers had? Is it something I need to see what I'm making before publishing it or?

Anyway, where can I find these stuff?

[BGarner]

The big question is, "does your server support php? "

If you have a server/hosting package that supports php you can skip this step and write .php files that you upload to your site. Most good hosts support PHP and their sever will parse the code for you.

If you don't have an online host which supports PHP then you will need to install PHP, MySQL, and Apache to your hard drive in order to write php files.

[Flashist]

Well I don't know if it's normal to support PHP and all those stuff on free servers, But I don't really want to use money now in the making phase. Although it might be reasonable to rent a server for it later rather than using free once I don't see the point in spending money to rent a webhotel when it's not done and ready for the public.

So if I do install these components I can create and view/test it localy?
In that case, I have one more question. Where can I find these files? I know I could probably google my way and find it, but I tried that and couldn't really make sence of all the results I got.

[Flashist]

Oh yeah, and to avoid confusion.... It's me "tibreum", dIdn't realize I was online with my brothers account....

[sannbe]

I use Xampp. will give you every thing you need. I use it to test site locally before uploading. Fun and easy to learn.

[Ryan Fait]

Velkommen til Webforumz

[Accurax]

edit..... saw a flaw in my plan

[tibreum]

Okey, thanks!
I'll try install that and start learning some PHP ^^

[JacobHaug]

Yeah xampp is great! You can run MySQL, PHP, Pearl, and so much more. Great way to learn locally on your computer with great speed, for FREE!! Have FUN!!

[masonbarge]

If you have a server, my advice is: don't bother installing all that crud on your HD for a bit.

It takes a little longer, but you can easily keep your FPT program connected and just save and upload your code to your server to view the result. This also ensures you won't have different software versions and settings on your HD and server, which is another headache you don't need.

If you start getting into PHP, it's nice to have it on your HD -- testing changes is a few seconds faster and you can do it when your ISP goes down. But it's not a huge deal, considering the various hassles.

One other benefit, come to think of it, is that you can use a more advanced editor if you have PHP on your HD. I don't think a heavy editor is a good idea for learning, since it will become a crutch, but they're nice for heavy production work.

Oh yeah, I think Xampp is great but it caused all kinds of problems with my OS or whatever.

[RealMetrics]

Hello,

For windows platform, XAMP package is the best. Is available as a free download in http://apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html

PHPmyadmin, Apache, PHP, MYSQL, and essential components of scripting all are available in that package.

Just download and install it will work fine.

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