i'm absolutly new to PHP H-E-L-P

stevefriedman71

I'm trying to build a new website using PHP. and i'm using dreamweaver8 or frontpage.... but somehow, i can't get ANYTHING done.... I know that PHP is a serverbased model for websites. but i don't have a server at home.
So, how can i start building my site AND view it offline.... while building it?
What do i need at home and what do i need to know from my ISP or website host?
who is more important the ISP or the website host?

the best would be a PHP solution for idiots... :queasy:

shonuff

Download and install XAMMP or EasyPHP or something along the same lines..

They include Apache, PHP, and MYSQL.

That will be good for developing and testing on your local machine. About the ISP, most webhosts these days offer PHP and at least one MySQL database so should be no problems there. All depends on what you want to spend...

planetsim

Firstly you would need a web server for offline most use Apache but if your using windows xp pro you can use IIS. Id suggest Apache however. If your not keen on installing Apache (which is quite simple) but you will need to get PHP working with it there are packages which include quite a lot of stuff such as Apache/MySQL/PHP Perl etc. There is a thing called phpdev http://www.firepages.com.au/ or PHPTriad (google it).

Do you need anything from your ISP? Do they have webhosting? Does it support PHP and perhaps MySQL? If not you will need to find a web host for when you eventually get the site live. There arent any free hosts that I am aware of anymore that support both PHP and MySQL, so getting hosting is something your going to need to find, there is a thread in the Echo Lounge if you search with some web hosts listed by users.

Hope this is a start

bpat1434

To run a server offline, you don't need anything from your ISP. If you want to host your own website from your own computer, you need to talk to your ISP about that. They'll give you setup instructions or information to work from.

As for XAMPP and other installations, I find it best to just install it piece by piece (apache, php, mySQL) and then add what you need when you need it. I have found XAMPP to be not very forgiving in customization, so I stay away from it. If you google it, there are plenty of tutorials on setting up Apache, PHP and mySQL on a Windows or Linux box....