Testing php

[typacolipse]

hi

I'm using this (http://www.boonex.com/products/dolphin/) php script to build my community that i need for my web site. but it takes ages to upload everything to my free tripod sever.

I was wondering if there was anyway i could test it on my computer so i don't have to keep uploading it after i edit it etc

Thanks

[flann]

you can install apache, php, mysql on just about any computer. Once you have everything installed on your computer you can then test it all locally. I know that i used to have to install them each individually, but a few months ago I downloaded one of them (cant remember which) and it installed everything i needed. I think it was this http://www.php.net/downloads.php

[typacolipse]

is it better to run this stuff of windows or Linux... thanks for the reply

[flann]

linux if you have it, but most things will work on windows too. I like to use a linux box for testing because you will almost always use a linux box for your live server, even if you're not aware of it.

[typacolipse]

I have had a look and downloaded the php stuff and apache but when i look into it i am way over my head. Is there anywhere you would recommend that i could maybe find a step by step guide or maybe just a recommended starting point

[flann]

What OS are you using? I usually start with apache, get that working where I can see the test page. Then I install php and mysql. I know it can be a serious headache, i'm going to be setting up a couple linux systems at my house this weekend for the same purpose, but it is worth it in the end. When you run into any problem, try and work through it, if you can't, you can always ask .

http://httpd.apache.org/docs/1.3/install.html

[masonbarge]

<meta-answer>You can get a really good server for $9 a month if you can pay in advance, probably $11 if you pay each month. Unless you are way broke you might consider this as an alternative. Then you can spend your time and study on areas other than your AMP setup. </meta-answer>

[flann]

although that is completely true, I also see an important value in understanding how your server is setup. I'm no expert at setting up servers, but by doing so a little, it's helped me understand what it is that I can accomplish with php.

[lmc148]

Hi

I just need to download php to my (windows) PC so I can test my .php webpages without having to upload them to my host.

Are you able to make a recommendation please?

Cheers
Lynn

[flann]

about 4 months ago I downloaded something for my windows computer. I can't remember if it was php, mysql or apache, however the download had all three in it and a very easy set up process. I think it was mysql gui tools, give this a shot http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/gui-tools/5.0.html