setting up the database

[giants10]

One quick question. How do you set up a database if you are using a web host like Bluehost? It lets me create the database but I don't know how to customize it. Also, after you customize it, are the PHP files to set up the tables and to connect to the database really necessary?

[leatherback]

Depends all on how your host is organized. Most hosts will have phpmyadmin installed, which will let you create tables using a webform.
If thay do not have it, I think that yes, you might have to do it through scripts, which I agree, can be a pain in the neck.

Check the help on your providers pages por contact their technical helpdesk. They should help you to figure out how to get started
J.

[Piranha]

I have one thing to add to leatherback's post.

If the host doesn't provice you with phpmyadmin or a simular database tool you should think about ditch that host and use another. I personally think that a host that can't provide you with a simple database tool will have big problems when it comes to support, and that is not the kind of host I would want.

An option to phpmyadmin is to install a database administration tool on your computer. It won't work with all hosts since they might block the port, but hopefully it will work with your host. One such tool is SQLyog. I won't say that it is better than phpmyadmin, it all depends on what you do.