Ok this is scary - first time in here!

It is not extremely difficult but does require some experience. I would use the MySQL/PHP tandem (although Wil may disagree). First you will have to figure out how to construct the database. That to me is often times the hard part. Then you will have to make ways to pull data out and put data in the database.

Start reading up on PHP over at some of these sites:
http://www.devshed.com/
http://www.phpbuilder.com/
http://www.weberdev.com/

hey - I have a really basic search engine (I think ) on mmy recipe site - not much too it - just a MySQL db (faciltated by mmy host) and some php that I never could have written mmyself

Is there no program I can buy that'll do it all for me?

Most vanilla solutions will be very limiting. I remember a product called Drumbeat that sort of built database solutions like this.

Just so I can disagree with Mairving, I would use an SQL Server/ASP combo. It will depend on your host, and what you're most comfortable with.

Quote: Originally posted by The Webmistress
Is there no program I can buy that'll do it all for me?

You can download scripts that will help you. But to be able to edit them properly you will need some knowledge of what you are doing.

Hey, Peter, somehow I knew that you would disagree with me. It certainly depends on what you are using. If your host uses a 'nix server, use PHP/MySQL. If it is a Windows host, then ASP is the way to go.

SitePoint's Kevin Yank has a HIGHLY recommended book for sale that will teach you how to build a database-driven site: http://sitepoint.com/books/?bookid=PHPMSQL

Hi

I think this would be of great use for you:

http://www.gossamer-threads.com/scripts/dbman-sql/index.htm

I know that ASPAPP.com has a customizable online db driven site creation thingy. You could check that out.

You really have a great crew here though, we can all help with any questions at any time. That is if you have some knowledge of server side stuff etc.

Me personally I would go with ASP. Simply because I have done a lot of stuff like this before. The best bit of advise I would give is in two parts:

A: Dont be put off by databases and server side programming development. It is sometimes a little scary to get in to. But once you have it is extremely rewarding to be able to say " yeah, I did that! "

B: Think of the project in abstract terms. Dont get caught up in saying I need a search to match the job reference number or the category or whatever. You will just get muddle headed if you are in the least bit unnerved. Simply think of it as organised data being pulled out of a database. I was really worried when I had to build a huge Intranet on my own. But I took a step back and looked at the whole thing in an abstract way. All I had to do then was apply the basics to different tasks, and learnt other stuff on the way. It really helped calm me down. I stopped looking at the project as a massive mountain in front of me.

Man that was like an Oscars speech that got out of hand!!

Sorry the reply was so long...

Thanks everyone. This stuff really does scare the pants off me, as I use DW for building sites and although I can read code and understand it and tweak it by hand I just start to shake at the thought of asp/php/abc whatever!! We are also so busy as the moment that I have back to back sites to build and try to learn what I need to for doing this site, can someoen please arrange to add about another 5 hours to the day please!

So before I get burried into reading up on this stuff and then probably run off and become a nun, I know nothing about scripting and server stuff so:

What do I need my server/host to do or provide?

What do I use to build the actual database? Can this be somthing that the client can add to/change at their end?

Where do I find some kind programmer who will do it all for me out of the kindness of their heart just for the pleasure of it?

**BIG SIGH**

hey - I had a tough time figuring out how to get connected to the db facility mmy host provides (four or five emails), but the rest was REAL easy - I have a basic understanding of relational theory and SQL, but that's fairly straightforward - just entered mmy data and then, in that thread I noted above, begged Mark t' help my get the PHP written - I can't say I follow all of it, but it's not a whole lot 'a code

data entered into these textboxes:

produced this result:

if I can do it, believe me, you can as well

Ok, my host has said that they support php and MySQL.

Someone else has said to download & use MySQL to build the database and then use php to build the site - is that correct?

Now someone else has said that using Macromedia's UltraDev/ColdFusion is easy and will do what I want???

Julia, check your PMs.

I feel your fear!

I've been trying to get a handle on PHP/mySQL for some time now. I'm much more comfortable with farming out paid projects and try to learn a bit on the side by a) personal projects and b) looking closely at what is being done for me by others.

I'm sure there is a fine stable of developers at your disposal right here. Otherwise, I can recommend someone to you.

One tool I'd recommend if you are going to try this is phpMyAdmin at:
http://phpwizard.net/projects/phpMyAdmin/

It serves as a good PHP interface for dealing with your databases on the server.

Good luck and keep us posted!

If your host supports PHP & mySQL, then the odds are that they have phpMyAdmin somewhere in the control panel or elsewhere that you can access.

You do not need to download anything to connect to the mySQL database. mySQL was meant to be used via the shell (telnet, ssh, etc.), but there are tools like phpMyAdmin to give it a web GUI.

If your pressed for time and don't think you can spare enough to learn PHP & mySQL, then I'll second what taff suggested. You could subcontract the work, and keep a copy to examine when you have time.

Right, so what do I need to have on my pc to do this and what do I do via a connection to my hosts server? This is where I think I'm getting most confused with all of this!

To do any DB work, you will need access to a DB client. phpMyAdmin is perhaps the most popular option, being that it's web based. The only other option that I use is the command prompt (via telnet, or ssh). There is no program (that I am aware of) that you can install on your system to connect to the mySQL DB and administer it with a windows GUI (such as M$ SQL Server's client, or M$ Access).

Because your not familiar with mySQL, I would highly recommend using phpMyAdmin. To use phpMyAdmin, simply open a browser and point it to where phpMyAdmin is located. Don't worry about making one-click blunders. phpMyAdmin will ask you twice before destroying data.

As for PHP... It also doesn't need anything special installed on your system. Just an FTP client (which I'm sure you already have), and an ASCII editor (if your using Windows, notepad will do fine).

Quote: Originally posted by Mark Hensler
As for PHP... It also doesn't need anything special installed on your system. Just an FTP client (which I'm sure you already have), and an ASCII editor (if your using Windows, notepad will do fine).

You can work on PHP files with HomeSite. There is even a php expression add-on available. I can't recall where exactly but if you have trouble finding it, I could rummage around my virtual attic - I'm sure it's there.

The only catch is previewing your php files. That can't be done locally on Windows alone. I downloaded FoxServ recently for that purpose (on the recommendation of someone here - sorry, I forget who) but haven't had a chance to install it yet. It's not a big deal to upload as you go though and odds are, you'll need to be talking to the db on the server anyway.

Ok one last stupid question (!!) where do I install/upload this phpMyAdmin? Do I need to have something set up with the hosting company?

The client hasn't acually given me the go ahead with this yet so I haven't got space sorted and wanted to get stuck in with the learning of it regardless of whether she says yes or not!

You'll need your hosting provider to provide you with access to a SQL database server - MySQL is proving to be the most popular as it's free.

Ask your hosting provider to set you up with a database, he or she should then provide you with the neccessary information to configure PHPMyAdmin or whatever else you're using, i.e.

> Database name
> Your hostname
> Username
> Password

If you're hosting provider doesn't offer this facility or charges you for it then I can provide you with a database if you just want to play around with one. I've got plenty of room on my dev machine here.

Ok well that's my weekend sorted out!

Saturday - contact hosting company to arrange space and all necessary bits & pieces, then start reading some of these tutorials, then by evening pour large vodka and flake out in front of TV brain dead
Sunday - continue with reading, trying to remember what was supposed to have gone into memory the day before!

Sounds like you're going to have a fun weekend!

One more thing to keep in mind...

Your hosting package may include PHP/mySQL but make sure your client's does also!

have fun

When you ask your host about the username/password/hostname/dbname, ask if they have phpMyAdmin installed. Many hosts already have it setup for users.

The latest version is 2.2.3 It came out just recently. Very nice. Hosts are typically a few versions behind. That's not a problem.

Ok thanks to you all.

My hosts will be the same as my client as she's letting me arrange everything for her then just telling her (when I've worked it out) how to update the database from her end??!!

I'll let you know Monday how I got on

Hey I don't know if you've already decided on a method of accessing a DB on your site but if not you might want to look into ColdFusion.

Quickly, the good side is I think it's a realtively small learning curve for basic DB access if you know HTML and some real basic SQL. ColdFusion syntax is almost exactly that of HTML; for instance a ColdFusion form is built with the tag as opposed to a HTML form built with .

The down side is your site will have to be hosted off a CF server which may not be an option for you.

If it is email me, I am currently setting up my own hosting service and I would be glad to set you up

Another option is the JavaScript Tablar Data Control. I believe it is free to use, but check first! Its an active X control for JavaScript. You could build a down a dirty search pretty easy and it would run practialy anywhere.

The downside to that is the client would download a file that is basically your "database" the is used for the control. But it would be pretty easy to populate this file with only insenstive data used to make the search.

Just a few options.

Krash_io

recipebomb.com