First time with php and mySQL...

He has: 688 posts

Joined: Feb 2001

I will soon attempt to install a forum on my website. I have previously installed the now defunct UltraBoard on a separate website, so I know I can muddle thru a Perl installation. The free board I have chosen is YaBB (runner up was IkonBoard). In addition to Perl, it utilizes php and mySQL. My server supports all the necessary requirements but I've never worked with php or mySQL and I was just wondering if there's anything I should look out for. I assume the installation process will guide me thru it, but are there any things I should be aware of from the php and mySQL-wise. Things I should learn, or do, or setup, ahead of time? If I can install a Perl script, should this be any harder?

P.S. Any advice specific to YaBB installation?

mairving's picture

They have: 2,256 posts

Joined: Feb 2001

It actually should be easier to install than Perl or least about the same. The most frequent errors that you get upon installation are because the hostname, username, password are not set up properly.

Mark Irving
I have a mind like a steel trap; it is rusty and illegal in 47 states

mjames's picture

They have: 2,064 posts

Joined: Dec 1999

Eww ... YaBB. Have you seen phpBB? It's probably my favorite free board right now.

He has: 688 posts

Joined: Feb 2001

mjames- Yes, I've been reading some old posts and see a lot (but not all) dissenting opinions on YaBB. I'm not looking for fancy features. It looked clean and claimed to be easy to install, which is key for me. I went to phpBB's website and it didn't look too much different. What's your big complaints with YaBB and what's your major praises phpBB? The only things I need are almost univeral... ability to be mailed back when somebody replies (helps return traffic) and ability for me to choose whether or not to require registration.

(Sorry for vearing off the original subject.)

He has: 688 posts

Joined: Feb 2001

I installed YaBB (fairly easily). It works, but my browser completely locks up sometimes. I have no idea why. Is it my host, or is it from YaBB? It isn't my computer because it has done this to me on several different computers.

And back to the original php and mySQL question, nothing during install asked me the location of mySQL or to create a database or anything other than perl (and a little javascript and css). Is this normal? Is the php and mySQL aspect that's supposed to be so good, completely behind the scenes? If the YaBB website didn't mention php and MySQL I would have no idea that they were used at all? Does this sound right?

The link is as follows, but like I said, it crashes your browser sometimes.

charlottemlb.com/softball/YaBB/YaBB.pl

mairving's picture

They have: 2,256 posts

Joined: Feb 2001

Probably because YABB doesn't use MySQL nor any other database. It uses a flatfile system which bogs down with a lot of users on it.

He has: 688 posts

Joined: Feb 2001

Oh well. It gave me installation practive Smiling I'm gonna go get phpBB (where I notice the webpage extensions are all .php) I should've listened mjames in the first place Shocked

DC_Sara's picture

She has: 392 posts

Joined: Jan 2002

I love phpBB2. If I can figure out MySQL and how to install this board, anyone can!

Smiling Sara

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