Shopping cart

[MattUK]

Hi all, I am currently learning XHTML and CSS, but I need to build a complete shopping cart for a site that I will be building,How do I start to make my own shopping cart ? do I need to start learning ASP/PHP, I do want to build my own from scratch , which should be a good learning curve.any pointers would be greatly appreciated Thanks very much for your time Matt.

[scott100]

yes you would have to use a language like php to do this, also mysql to save the items in a databaseQuite a big job though, may want to try some smaller projects to get used to the languages first.

[pulpfiction]

If you are planning to use it realtime, another issue would be security, because you will be dealing with credit card information etc. But if you are doing it for learning purpose, security will not be a major factor.

[MattUK]

Thanks very much for the replies, I plan to add a shopping cart to a site, I understand that I need the following to get me going:PHP, for server scripting ?MySQL, for database ?APACHE, to run PHP scripts ????When I find the download pages for the software...its rather confusing which software I actually need to run on windows XP, I have read the pages and I am still unsure which exact software versions I should be running, I noticed when choosing to download the apache software, windows xp users need to install service pack 1...erm what, what's that all about If I could be a real pain in the backside..could anyone give me a direct link to the downloads for each file because I am lost Any help guys would be greatly appreciated Matt

[scott100]

These should only be used to practice on your home pchttp://www.php.net/downloads.php - **PHP 4.4.2 zip package**(i chose php4 because it has MySQL support built-in)http://httpd.apache.org/download.cgi - **Win32 Binary (MSI Installer): apache_2.0.55-win32-x86-no_ssl.msi**http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/

[MattUK]

Hi Scott,Excellent, that's exactly what I need...my journey starts here.. Thanks for your time Scott Matt.

[pulpfiction]

Hi Matt, you can also download and try using EasyPHP, it has apache server along with MySql. i guess u'll need a DB for ur project...

[Skemcin]

I would suggest that you first analyze exactly what requirements you have for your shopping cart. Take those requirements and search teh web for a solution that already exists. There is eay to much to learn and way to many places to make mistakes for this to be your first real asserted effort - you are dealing with peoples money which means if something goes wrong you will get sued. I do not mean to sound negative, but Iam just trying to make sure you make a realistic choice.Having said that, if you are interested in asp, php, cold fusion, mysql, and even ms sql, implementing and manipulating an existing application will be just as much of an educational experience.If you are going to build a cart from scratch, you really need to already know what you are doing - no offense.

[MattUK]

I appreciate your advice guys, thank you.Well as you know I am progressing through XHTML and CSS, I am now going be learning PHP and MySQL using Apache server, hopefully to set up a shopping cart for a site I am working on Well 2 days ago I had no idea about PHP, MySQL or Apache...and finally today I got all them all setup on my pc running windows XP, I have to say there is alot of information out there...too much when it comes to setting these programs up, the real pain I had was getting MySQL to work...hours of searching, I finally found a site with the EXACT info need to get MySQL working on my machine : I hope this helps anyone going through the motionshttp://www.devarticles.com/c/a/Apache/Inst...nder-Windows/1/I picked 2 books today from PC World (PHP 5 by MIKE McGRATH and All in one PHP, MySQL and Apache) so this should give me a good start ....I have far toooo much time on my hands Any recommendations ?Again, thanks for the help and advice Matt.