Where to start with this web project???

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pantonit
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Joined: Sat Jan 23, 2010 6:01 pm

Where to start with this web project???

Post by pantonit »

Hi guys,

I have to develop a web system which will be like a business catologue. Each business has to be able to create its own profile, with many details, pictures, etc.

According to your experience and criteria, should I use some framework or just raw PHP? (I don't have strong experience with any framework). My question then would be which strategy, structure, tools, etc., use to solve this problem.

Many Thanks!

Paul
scarface222
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Re: Where to start with this web project???

Post by scarface222 »

I would recommend using 'mysql' for database structure and php for server-side handling. You can store records in the database and use php to create user folders for storing their pictures. If you want cool effects or unique web interaction, you may want to look into 'Jquery' a javascript library and general javascript. As for your strategy, do a lot of reading and experimenting with php. If you want to get started download WAMP server for windows and you can start building and testing locally before you decide on a provider. If you don't have that much experience dealing with php, try reading some good books, but I found experimenting and talking to experts on this forum to work a lot better in learning. As for mysql, you can use phpmyadmin to administer it which comes with the package and is usually provided by server providers and is quite straight forward.

Good Luck
thinsoldier
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Re: Where to start with this web project???

Post by thinsoldier »

If you're totally new: what scarface said.

If you're not a total php noob but have never used a framework I'd say look for a framework or cms system with some sort of "directory" feature and user account feature. See if that will be enough to cover your needs. If not, you would get a better idea of what features you need should you decide to write your own from scratch.
Warning: I have no idea what I'm talking about.
pantonit
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Joined: Sat Jan 23, 2010 6:01 pm

Re: Where to start with this web project???

Post by pantonit »

Thanks for your answers. Maybe it was my mistake not mentioning that I'm not new in IT. I've working for 7 years with C / C++, and for the last 3/4 with PHP, basically with OOP.

What I haven't done so far, is to work on a big project with a PHP framework. I helped once in a Joomla project (simple one). Then, I did a small one (yet more complex) with Ruby on Rails, and it was quite quick and simple.

So, my doubt so far is, is it worth it learning Zend, Symfony just for a project like this? Which would the the most accurate for this and easiest to learn? Or should I just write everything from scratch?

I hope I put it clearer this time.

Cheers,
Paul
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greyhoundcode
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Re: Where to start with this web project???

Post by greyhoundcode »

Kohana's ace for getting a project up and running in no time. Nearly everyone's got a framework they advocate over all others of course, but I think it is fair to say that Codeigniter (which, in broad strokes, is the PHP4 framework upon which Kohana is based) is a firm favourite with many developers owing to the speed with which you can get things going.

Kohana is still quite similar to CI, but follows PHP5 OOP best practise.
thinsoldier
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Re: Where to start with this web project???

Post by thinsoldier »

Sounds like you haven't yet found yourself in a situation where you have to build 2+ large and 3+ small projects simultaneously while maintaining and adding new features to 4+ medium-large projects you wrote 3+ years ago. At least not with php.

After doing enough medium/large jobs from scratch you should wind up with your own home-grown framework. Once you reach that point you probably use your framework for even small jobs. Eventually you have a project where realize your tasks are beyond the current state of your personal framework and just make the jump to zend/codeigniter/etc.

Then as you come to understand the behind-the-scenes workings of these open frameworks you go back to your personal framework and implement some of the most useful features just to solidify your undersanding (and possibly for the benefit of team members who can't yet make the mental switch to zend)
Warning: I have no idea what I'm talking about.
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