PHP compiler???

alexanae

Hey guys

As this is a forum for newbies with php i thought i would ask here since me being a newbie and all. i've installed the IIS for XP pro SP2 on my machine and downloaded the installation software for php 5.1.1 from php.net. I installed it on my machine but im not sure what to do next. Is there some sort of a compiler installed that i can just open and start writing code?? i developed websites before using html and used a textpad for that.

i know its probably a lame question but can anyone advise on this??

Thx

thorpe

You just use a normal text editor, not textpad, notepad would suffice. There are php IDE's around but if your a newbie, id's suggest learning to code by hand first.

bpat1434

Well, PHP isn't compiled, it's executed.

To write PHP code, you only need note-pad at least, and Zend Studio IDE at most.

There are tons of topics about editors, and which is best. Some I've found useful are:

Komodo IDE
Zend Studio IDE
WeBuilder 2005 (2006 releasing soon)
EditPlus (light & quick)
NotePad++
UltraEdit

I'd really suggest Komodo or Zend Studio as they have the integrated PHP manual so as you type you get the function definitions as a pop-up to help you code properly. But at least try more than one editor, as others are better and worse in ways, and some flat out suck. But when writing PHP it is almost required to have syntax highlighting, which Notepad/Wordpad (Not NotePad++) doesn't have.

It's a personal preference. Search and use... then decide.

I started coding with EditPlus and then found Zend Studio, and way too much money, but found BluMentals WeBuilder and Komodo. Then in searching for a light-weight, portable app I found notepad++. I use mainly Komodo, but for quick edits and such, I use EditPlus. While at work (not my home computer) I use NotePad++.

~Brett

rincewind456

alexanae wrote:
I installed it on my machine but im not sure what to do next.

Then the best thing to do would be to take a look at the Getting Started section of the manual.

As for editors it depends how serious you're going to get, (and how rich you are) if it's just a hobby any editor with syntax highlighting is fine. If on the other hand you are going to get serious go for Zend studio it's awesome.