hey, im new to the entire php/mysql thing. i was just intrigued by what php could do, so ive been looking into it, tapping into any resources i could and i found a lot of great resources on php.net, phpdeveloper, evil walrus, etc. but ive also been looking into the entire database idea, but honestly, i have close to no clue about how to even use MySQL. i asked my friend, who hosts me, what client i should use to start off with, but he said he doesnt support external access to mysql. he told me that i could use notepad to make tables and input the data, but im honestly lost when it comes to all that, and i have no clue as to where to start off in. if anyone has any suggestions it would be much appreciated.
If you do not know any SQL, read the MySQL manual for how to construct queries. It is quite useful.
I think what your friend means by using notepad to create tables is that he wants you to manually code your SQL, rather than use a client like phpMyAdmin (ie, write queries and then implement them).
Thanks. I think I looked through it about a week ago, the manual, but being the thick skulled kid that I am, nothing really penetrated, but maybe since I understand a small bit more now, I can get something from it. I'll definitley check it out. As for writing out the tables in notepad, do you know of any tutorials that show that, do you think my best bet is to just roll with it, and see what I can figure out using something like phpmyadmin, just to kind of see how things work?
Depending upon your level of beginner-ness (yes, I know that is not a real word ), check out things like http://sqlcourse.com/ and http://www.firstsql.com/tutor.htm. Hunt around on google for "SQL query tutorial" or similar things and play around on the sites. Or just be silly and buy yourself a Big Book of SQL (ie--one of the really huge programming books).
And if you have any trouble writing queries, don't be shy about asking for help on the forum.
Another good start would be:
PHP and MySQL Web Development by Luke Welling and Laura Thompson,
SAMS publishing. Some good info to introduce you to the database and using it via PHP.
i think ill definitley buy a book on this for reference, perhaps that one once i find, or order, it. im going through mysqlcourse.com right now, im definitley loving it, it really breaks it down. i just hope to find something on how to implement it and use php in conjunction with it, that is this well written. thanks to all though for the help, its greatly appreciated.