Storing files in a database, homepage as a Php file

Jesters8

Three questions:

1) Whats the basic syntax for storing a file (specifically PDfs) in a database. Will this make the database signifcantly slower then just storing a link in the database? How do I then access these files with PHP?

2) Is there a way to make the initial page at my website a .php? My host is running cPanel X if that helps...

3) How do I pass variables (parameters maybe?) to another page by what hyperlink the user clicks on. For example if the user wants to find everything that fits into one category, s/he clicks on the link that searchs for those files, but all the hyperlinks point to one page, it just finds different things by what is clicked

Thanks!

tekky

Wow... talk about a mouthful for a first post....

I do believe you qualify for the
almighty.....search button! (bah img's are turned off)

Jesters8

yes you are right that was quite a bit i did search this site and didnt find anything For some reason only search engines wont work on my computer, so i cant find anything that way. Could anyone maybe post a link to something useful? I know im a n00b at php but i know other languages and im a fast learner, so dont think im some jerk who wants someone to do his site for him

tekky

uhm... try <form method=post> for 1 of your answers
try most sites recognize .html -> .htm -> .php in order of precedence, so if you dont have an index.html or .htm then index.php should be used, if not, have your host fix it, they can change that setting easily and for another answer, BLOBS

as far as search engines not work.... one must call MAJOR BS. I've never seen a search engine play favorites for nobody

Jesters8

Thank you very much. That was very helpful