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Dev Suggestions for new project...long post

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2002 12:25 am
by Placer14
Ladies and Gents,
Please don't flame, first. Of all the forums, this seemed the best. Sorry if this is too off topic.
I'm trying to develop an educational site for Bonsai. (Japanese/Chinese miniature plants like in The Karate Kid :D ) I've come across the PHP technology and have been learning it and it is looking as though this will be a very helpful tool in the dev of the site. However i'm not entirly sure how I should implement this technology into the site. Let me be brief in what i'm trying to accomplish...
First, platform and database types are not set in stone. I'll probably end up using some NIX with mySQL. Content will be tutorials, plant information, events calendar, community forums, and the like. The idea is a community website for Bonsai Enthusiasts. Certain classes (info/features) will only be availible after membership has been set up. Information should be searchable on any part of the site.
This is where i stand right now in the dev process. I have the basic idea of layout and how it should be presented, however I really only ever coded HTML with small experience with C. PHP is very similar and very forgiving in many areas. I'm just not sure of the full capabilities of the technology. I would greatly appreciate some direction/ideas how I might take on such a huge project. I'm the only person working on this currently and i'm still a newbie to PHP and still have quite a bit to learn.
I realize that I could probably look through the many dev sites out there, however I could spend months comparing and testing ideas, etc. And the info availible is somewhat daunting. I realize these resources are there, please don't flame me for not looking, as I am doing this as well. I was just looking for a little assistance from the many pros that are already out there.
On a side note, I see everything that's possible with PHP (ie: this forum for one) which is beautifully designed and has a very slick front end as well. My current BBS is CGI-built and was wondering where I might aquire the source for this BBS and have a look through it. Also, the entire site is very well layed out. Kudos to the developers! Thanks in advance and I apologize for being so long-winded. I look forward to your responses. Cheers. :)

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2002 12:03 pm
by Zmodem
PHP can certainly do everything you require for your site. It's syntax is much like C, so if you are familiar with C, PHP should come pretty quickly for you.

This BBS is called PHPbb. It can be found a http://www.phpbb.com It is free. You can download it, and look at the source if you wish.

There are many many MANY tutorials out there for PHP newbies like yourself.

The best reference for PHP (once you get the basics) is the php site itself. http://www.php.net Its a wealth of information.

Lastly, feel free to stop by these forums and ask for help anytime. Responses come pretty quickly, and we're a friendly bunch ;)

good luck

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2002 12:04 pm
by Zmodem
PS: Did you REALLY take that tech support call listed in your sig?

LOL

Tech Call

Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2002 11:30 pm
by Placer14
Heh, yea....you'd be surprised what some people have done or tried to do with their computers....

And thanks for echoing my thoughs as far as PHP. I was really hoping some people would have a few ideas or at least some examples of code I might could look at. Anything to get me started.

Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2002 12:10 am
by Jim
Well, as for the registration..

You can use PHP and MySQL to authenticate usernames and passwords against the database, and you can use sessions to ensure only logged in users see certain information :)

Or you can use cookies.