Setting up php/mysql + learning php again

Deposeni

I finally broke down and started to use Zend instead of Dreamweaver, but I have no idea how to setup my php.ini file to run everything I need (Which is pretty much everything).

I also need to setup MySQL, but the last time I did - I got it installed, but had no way of controlling the database, users, etc. Is there some extra tool I should use? One that’s actually easy to setup?

One last question: After over a year, I've decided to learn PHP the RIGHT way - I was taught through my friend, and have been copying/pasting old code ever since... I'd like to be able to write my own code for each project, instead of asking him for help every time I don't understand something (Partly because I've never found a good article explaining all of the syntax in php/mysql commands).

Edit: By learning php the "Right" way - I don't mean random tutorials, I mean from the theory, syntax, etc. - to advanced OOP and module programming.

Wouldn't mind learning the correct way to do OOP, theory on creating a module-based site engine, theory on encryption, theory on uploading, etc.

I've tried a few tutorials on phpfreak, and others - but they just don't do it for me, the setup phpfreak has is just annoying (Multiple pages).

Well, sorry to bug everyone, but thanks in advanced 😃

Edit: Oops! I'm using Windows XP... Kinda helps with the setup 😛

Also: I wouldn't mind learning how to PLAN out programs in advanced; I know flow charts are used, and I've drawn out basic plans before - but they're pretty horrible... Vague in parts and really specific in others - but none of the areas that count; its just hard to make a script from them.

Weedpacket

Originally posted by Deposeni
(Partly because I've never found a good article explaining all of the syntax in php/mysql commands).

That would be because that would be way too much for an article. If you want all of the syntax in PHP and MySQL explained, you've got http://www.php.net/docs.php and http://dev.mysql.com/doc/mysql/ to work from. It's (almost) all there. O'Reilly publish a book about PHP (I forget the title right now, but it's probably got "PHP" in it somewhere.) And there are other books that cover PHP and MySQL.

Wouldn't mind learning the correct way to do OOP, theory on creating a module-based site engine, theory on encryption, theory on uploading, etc.

In that case, don't just look under "PHP" or "MySQL". Look under things like "Object-oriented programming", "encryption", "http", and so forth. Programming is programming whatever the language.

I've tried a few tutorials on phpfreak, and others - but they just don't do it for me, the setup phpfreak has is just annoying (Multiple pages).

You can download a single page with all of PHP's syntax and commands from the PHP web site; it's about 4MB. Ditto for MySQL - and it's probably about the same size.

In short, you gotta do your homework. And practice. There is no royal road to programming.

planetsim

Also: I wouldn't mind learning how to PLAN out programs in advanced; I know flow charts are used, and I've drawn out basic plans before - but they're pretty horrible... Vague in parts and really specific in others - but none of the areas that count; its just hard to make a script from them.

Like Plan your site

Depending on what it is and what is going to be requried and your Programming knowledge theres a few stages

Defining - Basically just think out what your site is, whos it for etc. Probably think what features you want and if it will require a database and programming language used.

Planning - Basically seperate everything down into points and organise it. Design the database and what will be relational etc.

Production - if it doesnt speak for itself than basically create it all design, test etc

Implementation - again speaks for itself but if not upload it test it out again.

Deposeni

Hmmm... Okay thanks both of you; but does anyone know how to install and configure PHP/MySQL for Zend?

Weedpacket

Well, if Zend's documentation doesn't help, nor Zend.com's forums, nor the Zend or install forums here...