Getting started on CMS

ClaytonBellmor

Hey there! (:queasy: I just noticed I was last logged in 12/13/2002)

I'm a website designer and I've been using an outdated CMS for years. It's good... for 5 years ago.

Now, I'd like to build a CMS system from scratch; so I can learn php and have more flexibility when it comes to client's individual needs.

I've been researching php for about 2 weeks now. I've done plenty of reading, watched dozens of tutorials, but nothing really helped. I'm not quite at the point of understanding the structure of PHP.

I was hoping there was a concise tutorial/walk-through of setting up the basics:
-creating a registration page
-creating a control panel page for someone logged in

That's about it. I figure if I can successfully accomplish this then I'll have started on a solid foundation and I think by 'doing' instead of watching I'll understand quicker.

Your help would be most appreciated.

clayton

ClaytonBellmor

Do you think my approach to learning php is faulty?

NogDog

A useful CMS that is not a gaping security hole on your host is not a trivial project. That is not to say it's not a good way to learn PHP, but you might want to get your feet wet in some more narrowly focused projects first, rather than the aggravation of starting to build your own CMS, then reaching that point where the "Eureka moment" sets it, you start to get comfortable with PHP, and realize you want to re-do everything you've written so far.

Since 99% of what you are going to do with PHP is ultimately database driven, I would recommend looking at tutorials on database design in general, SQL, and using PHP with databases. Then you might want to look into how do do login/access control with PHP and a user database. This will also teach you how to use form input with PHP scripts.

For some decent beginning tutorials, you may want to look at zend.com's PHP 101 tutorials.

PartDigital

yes if you're new to PHP there's a long road ahead. But don't worry, if you enjoy then it's a fun journey.

As NogDog said it's best to start simple and work yourself up. I can't remember how many times I've changed my php methodologies when I discovered some new function or concept.

So to start learning php I'd go in this order (more or less, you can mix it up a bit)

Variables and Data Types
Conditionals (including switch statements)
Loops (especially how to loop through an array)
Functions
Classes

After you have an understanding of these foundations then start to implement them in the following ways

URL variables and page linking
Form Submission (using the $_POST array)
Database Classes
Template Classes
PHP Frameworks

the second part can go on and on but the first part is pretty much the backbone of php logic. (I'm pretty sure I got everything, let me know if I missed something)

ClaytonBellmor

Much appreciated guys.