[RESOLVED] PHP + ODBC Connection

obrienkev

Hi all,

Could someone please explain to me how to connect to MS SQL Server Database with PHP.

How does ODBC work and how is it actually setup?

Thanks.

Kevin.

Doug_G

I recently used the mssql functions to connect to sql server. On windows using IIS 5.1 and PHP 5.0.4 isapi install, it was merely enabling the php-mssql.dll in php.ini.

I was able to use the same php page on a fedora server (fc4) after locating rpms for freetds and php-mssql and installing them.

I haven't used php odbc.

AIS4U

obrienkev:

Well, I'll give it a try. You may get a more elaborate explanation, but here is mine:

ODBC stands for Open DataBase Connectivity and is a method for connecting to a database. I believe it is the method suggested for use with MsSQL.

You have to set up a DSN (Data Source Name) which is done through the Control Panel. You go to Control Panel and click on ODBC Data Source (32 bit) and a screen opens that allows you to add a DSN.

I would suggest that you go to the PHP Web site and do a search on the Manual using "Microsoft MsSql Server." You will find a lot of information there about MsSQL. You will need to do this to learn the functions PHP needs to work with MsSQL that are specific to MsSQL.

I guess this doesn't really explain ODBC very complete, but perhaps it will get you pointed in the right direction.

Good Luck.

tito

Can someone please elaborate on that? If we use the MSSQL extension on Unix/Linux with FreeTds, do we still need to have ODBC install to connect mysql and MSSQL over a network?

Doug_G

tito wrote:
Can someone please elaborate on that? If we use the MSSQL extension on Unix/Linux with FreeTds, do we still need to have ODBC install to connect mysql and MSSQL over a network?

On my test fc4 server I'd installed most everything, which included unixODBC, but I don't know if you have to have unixODBC to use the php mssql functions. This quick test code worked for me where the sql server 2000 is on a windows NT4 box on the lan. A side note, unicode columns of ntext or nvarchar didn't work, a strange error was returned and google found comments that it was a limitation of the php mssql extensions not supporting unicode.

 $con = mssql_connect($server, $user, $pswd);
 mssql_select_db($db, $con);
 $qr = mssql_query($sq, $con);

 while ($row = mssql_fetch_array($qr, MSSQL_ASSOC)) {
   // do whatever
}

tito

Thanks for help.

Are there any tools like phpadmin that could read and display the MSSQL db?

Doug_G

The primary client tool is Enterprise Manager, which is contained on the sql server distribution. Access 2000+ has access data projects (.adp) which is a very satisfactory front-end to sql server. I've heard rumors about some MS web based admin tool but I don't have any references, and it would probably be asp or NET only.