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Is PHP/SQL My Best Option?

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 7:28 am
by Rick5150
Hello, I am a relative newbie at web design.

My name is Rick and I am trying to determine what the best method of designing my new website will be. I have been told that CMS is best for my needs and that modX was the way to go, but I am not able to figure it out. There is not a lot of documentation available for ModX Revolution as I need it in basic terms in one place. I have considered WordPress and Drupal and I am currently experimenting with Joomla! which is confusing to me, but seems far more intuitive than the others, so far. But regardless of what I am using, I think I need to use PHP to accomplish my goals.

I made my initial site using a template that I modified using ExpressionWeb though experimentation and until about a year ago, it served it's purpose. My site has grown from having 10-20 pages that contain similar, although different content to a site that can potentially have 400-500 pages currently and will continue to grow form there. It is getting difficult to copy each page and change the information to create each new page.

I am more than likely switching from Expression Web to Joomla! for the design aspect and there is a learning curve involved for sure. I do not know the correct terminology, but here is what I am tying to do:

I have a specific page that contains information scattered around on it (not in a list fashion) about one specific item. I want to build a single page (template?) that will draw similar information based on other items when chosen. For example, let's say I have another page with a list of items. I want the user to be able to click on item 1 and get all of the information about the item. When they click on item 2, they will get all of the information about that item. And so on... Ultimately, I would also like to have a "data entry" page. My dream would be to have a Microsoft Access database that will upload the information to the SQL database, and maybe PHP code that will put that data where it belongs. Is that possible?

I will provide a link to the page if that is allowed here, but I try to remain aware of a forum's rules and regulations about advertising and such. That is not my intent. Please ask any questions that will clarify what I am referring to here as well and I will do my best to describe the situation. I am really sorry for the confusion, but I do not know the terminology. I am not against learning, but I need to know what I need to learn rather than simply trying 5 different platforms.

Thank you in advance...

Re: Is PHP/SQL My Best Option?

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 8:06 am
by Weirdan
I have a specific page that contains information scattered around on it (not in a list fashion) about one specific item. I want to build a single page (template?) that will draw similar information based on other items when chosen. For example, let's say I have another page with a list of items. I want the user to be able to click on item 1 and get all of the information about the item. When they click on item 2, they will get all of the information about that item. And so on... Ultimately, I would also like to have a "data entry" page. My dream would be to have a Microsoft Access database that will upload the information to the SQL database, and maybe PHP code that will put that data where it belongs. Is that possible?
That's certainly possible.

PS: you may post the link.

Re: Is PHP/SQL My Best Option?

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 10:57 am
by Rick5150
Thank you very much, I really appreciate that. Here is an example of the information for the page I want to create:

http://www.filmjackets.com/old/FEATURES ... gates1.htm

There is a lot of information that will change, from the photo, to the credits to most of the items in the left column (but not the disclaimer).

I am using a phpBB discussion board as well.

Another concern is that I never worked with Joomla before. I expect that I can make a template (or whatever it is called) there?

One thing at a time though...

Re: Is PHP/SQL My Best Option?

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 6:51 am
by Rick5150
Would any of the members here know of a site that may be able to address this for me? I would appreciate any help I can get...