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new to PHP re: Dreamweaver Database Connection

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 10:12 pm
by tstimple
Hello to all, :D
I am new to using PHP. I have searched this forum and have found some answers but thought I would post my own particular situation.
I am would like to setup some very simple database pages using my current web hosting. Here are the variables:
I am using Dreamweaver MX on local platform.
I have a Unix based web host with PHP and mySQL available.
I have uploaded a database to the mySQL server using PremiumSoft Navicat (I can also access mySQL with phpmyAdmin from my webhost control panel).
Now for the problem:
I do not seem to be able to get Dreamweaver to create an environment for creating a PHP page database connection.

The steps in Dreamweaver require setting up a "Testing Server" and then accessing the actual database.
When I setup the testing server I am pointing to my webhost directory. It seems to allow this (dreamweaver creates a _mmServerScript directory, and uploads two files, mysql.php and mmhttpdb.php).
However on the next step when I try to create the mySQL connection to the actual database, I get an error saying that either "1. There is no testing server running" or "2. The testing server does not map to the _mmServerScript directory" It says to be sure the URL Prefix maps to the root of the site.

What am I doing Wrong? :(
Do I need access to the server root directory (not posible since I do not have control of the hosting companies servers) in order to use Dreamweaver's "testing server" configuration?

Is anyone familiar with Dreamweaver to assist me with this :?:
Thanks,
--Tim

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 3:51 am
by igoy
you need to put "_mmServerScript" directory in your folder over your webhost server.... that's one thing.

Secondly please put some light on how you are accessing your webhost (obviously you must be doing it through FTP, but just wondering), and using IP or your Domain name. Cuz sometimes single IP is used for all domains on shared hosting. so probably you will need to use your domain name as server address in connection settings.

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 8:03 am
by tstimple
Thanks Igoy,
The _mmServerScript Directory IS on the webhost. (created by Dreamweaver at the same level as all my website directories)
I do connect by ftp and point to a specific domain name (the same domain name I use to upload all my webpages) Although I have a dedicted IP.

Any more thoughts??

I DO know that the actual mySQL database is on a DIFFERENT IP then my website host directories (apparently ALL clients who host with this company use a shared IP for the mySQL) But I CAN access the mySQL database using Navicat, so I know that remote connections ARE allowed.

--Tim

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 8:57 am
by malcolmboston
the default database connections for your site will be held in a folder called Connections make sure this is also uploaded otherwise your pages dont know how to access the database

note: I highly recommend not using dreamweaver for PHP, from personal experience when getting to upload your site for real, it is more hassle than what its worth

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 9:49 am
by igoy
exactly.... damn how I dropped the Connections folder !!

As about using dreamweaver for PHP development, it depends on how one will use it. Like if you depend solely on DW for PHP devlopment, then YES.. it could get lil' headache. I've been using DW since long long time and I've been very comfortable with it. BECAUSE I don't use dreamweaver's inbuilt facilities for PHP application devlopement, rather I prefer coding myself. Only advantage you get using DW is visual editing of HTML.

Where to put connections folder

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 2:54 pm
by tstimple
Malcolm & Igoy
Thanks for the reply regarding dreamweaver database connection.

I now see the "connections" Folder on my local drive. Do I need to upload the entire directory? or just the "PHP_MYSQL" Folder?

Upload to my webhost directory?

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 8:34 am
by igoy
entire Connections directory...to your webhost dir.... :)

you must be defining site in dreamweaver... so the same directory structure you see in site panel of DW should be on your webshot dir.