Php Getting Started

[Spunky]

Ok. I absolutely love w3schools and all that it provides for all my language needs. A while ago I decided I wanted to learn PHP because I have a website I would like to start using databases on. However, I only get a headache trying to install/use the PHP thing that I downloaded, I don't even think I could figure out how to download the Apache..but I dont even know if I need that if I dont want to run my own server. I have my site hosted with JustHost.com and they use cPanel where I can create my databases using something called phpMyAdmin. Thing is, I don't know how to use this stuff on my website. cPanel creates MySQL coding for me, but, I dont know what to do with it.Thing is. I need to start from the beginning. Learn PHP. I can't learn it unless I can do hands on work. W3schools is great, but I need to be able to get hands on experience with what I learn from it. I've gone through tutorials and eventually got too big of a headache and uninstalled PHP and whatever else I downloaded cuz it was too confusing and I dont even know if I installed it right cuz there were files installed in places that I didn't choose. It was a real headache..Basically what I am hoping for is someone to be a good person and help me out..I need someone to walk me through this..I just cannot seem to follow or understand manuals how to install and such, they are just too dang confusing..I wish w3schools had a tutorial for it or something, I mean, it gives links to where to download, but like, sheesh thats like dropping me off in middle of nowhere and expecting me to find my way. Could someone please help me out? I just dont know how to go further with my website until I can learn PHP.... Or maybe someone could direct me to a very good tutorial/manual that is clear and not a mess to read..that would be fine too..

[jlhaslip]

The simplest way to get a test facility with php and mysql onto your local machine is to use a one-click installer like XAMPP or WAMP. Google it.Download and install the package. I am more familiar with XAMPP, so I will discuss that as I add information here.The software will create a folder named /htdocs/ on your machine. I don't run Windows, but it should be something like C;\\XAMPP\htdocs. Add your scripts to that folder, and the access them in your Browser as http://localhost . You can create folders inside htdocs, like /htdocs/test/ and htdocs/site/ and then access them as http://localhost/test/ and http://localhost/site/.The Server needs to be started before those locations are accessed.Plenty of info on the http://apachefriends.org site. That is where the download is available from.Any questions, post them here.

[Spunky]

Thank you for you willingness to help. Alright. I downloaded the installer.exe and I went to install it, and I didn't yet because I want to make sure I do this right. It had these checkboxes:Install Apache as serviceInstall MySQL as serviceInstall Filezilla as serviceI'm not sure if these are needed or what they are..should I check them or no or does it not matter or does it depend? If I knew more about it I would know whether or not I need it maybe. Thank you again for your help.

[jlhaslip]

Installing as a service is not required. All that means is that you will be required to 'start' the Apache and Mysql server before using them.Unless you want the Servers running all the time you are using the computer, it is not required as a service.

[Spunky]

Ok. I installed it and opened up the control panel automatically. I'm not not sure what it is for. I was trying to read around again before I asked questions and someone had said something about opening terminals to put some sorta code in to get started. I'm not sure what a terminal is..hence why I hate these tutorial sites sometimes..I went to http://localhost and it asked me for a username and password which maybe I need to set up?You were saying something about adding folders inside htdocs, is that where I would save my .php files and where I would make them into .html to view them? I double clicked on index.html inside of htdocs and the page it had opened said "It Work's!" so I am guessing that is a good thing, I went into index.php and saw "Something is wrong with the XAMPP installation :-(" Which I am guessing would have showed up had it not been working.

[jlhaslip]

It looks like you have it working. :)Can't remember about that password thing. I am running Linux now. Check the apachefriends site for further instructions.When you go to http://localhost/xampp/ do you get the XAMPP start page? There is a phpinfo link on the left hand side. Click that to see the results.*edit*By the way, which operating system are you running? Some versions of windows require extra steps, I think, like turning off IIS, or some such thing. Again, I am on a Linux box.

[Spunky]

I run Windows XP. I read something on that site appologizing that their manuals are all in german but maybe that was only certain types..I will look futher.When I go to that link you gave I get an error, says it is not found.

[jlhaslip]

had a typo, check again.

[Spunky]

Still not found.