Entry level PHP question concerning Db to web
Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 2:42 pm
First off: Hello, and well met! I am completely new to PHP, and for the last week or so have been lurking around in various forums trying to pick up info about what I need (want) to know, and finaly figured that PHP Forums might be the best place to place my first query. If not, just let me know... or if necessary, point me to a better place to do so and I will.
Anyway, here's what I'm after... Maybe you all can help.
I'm a movie poster collector and trader and am in the beginning stages of designing a site that dynamicly presents searchable data (my list of available posters) which utilizes a database. I'd like to eventualy end up with a site not unlike the one at:
http://www.posteritati.com
My current host supports PHP and MySQL databases, therefore I am trying to learn what it is I need to know to enable me to create this.
However, I've encountered a stumbling block. I've slammed into a wall trying to understand the vernacular I need to know in order to perform searches, both here and elsewhere, to find and read up how to do this. I am very interested in reading more, learning what to do, and to hopefully generate the code necessary to do this myself - if it is within my ability to do so. I just haven't been able get to the point where I can figure out if it is yet.
About me: I am not a professional web designer, nor a programer. My skillset is currently limited to a working knowledge of HTML, and a growing understanding of how to populate and create MySQL databases.
So, onto the nuts and bolts of my question(s):
Resources:
1. Are there any worthwhile books geared for complete novices about creating basic *search form* to *database* to *web page* php creation? (As stated, I'm totaly mired in the terminology atm.)
2. Are there (by chance) any existing web applications that can automate (or help automate) creation of pages like this? (If so, pros and cons?)
(Note: I have looked into full packages like osCommerce and Cubcart, but as I do not need --or want-- a 'shopping cart' neither of these monsters seem to be what I'm looking for.)
Terminology:
1. What is the term used for the page which presents post-search database information on the client's computer?
More specificaly: I am assuming I need three things to make this function -- a search form that queries the database, a database, and a page to present the data.
A. What are the 'keywords' to search for these different entities? (Db's I know well enough to search for problems / help... the other two... I'm clueless.)
So far those are my biggest learning curve stumbling blocks.
Thanks much for reading through this. And many, MANY, thanks in advance for taking to the time to even *think* about replying. Hopefully your answers will help chip away the mortar of the wall I seem to have encountered in my self tutorial.
And again, well met. You guys seem to have a great community here.
Cheers,
-Ebonsun
(http://www.ebonsun.com)
Anyway, here's what I'm after... Maybe you all can help.
I'm a movie poster collector and trader and am in the beginning stages of designing a site that dynamicly presents searchable data (my list of available posters) which utilizes a database. I'd like to eventualy end up with a site not unlike the one at:
http://www.posteritati.com
My current host supports PHP and MySQL databases, therefore I am trying to learn what it is I need to know to enable me to create this.
However, I've encountered a stumbling block. I've slammed into a wall trying to understand the vernacular I need to know in order to perform searches, both here and elsewhere, to find and read up how to do this. I am very interested in reading more, learning what to do, and to hopefully generate the code necessary to do this myself - if it is within my ability to do so. I just haven't been able get to the point where I can figure out if it is yet.
About me: I am not a professional web designer, nor a programer. My skillset is currently limited to a working knowledge of HTML, and a growing understanding of how to populate and create MySQL databases.
So, onto the nuts and bolts of my question(s):
Resources:
1. Are there any worthwhile books geared for complete novices about creating basic *search form* to *database* to *web page* php creation? (As stated, I'm totaly mired in the terminology atm.)
2. Are there (by chance) any existing web applications that can automate (or help automate) creation of pages like this? (If so, pros and cons?)
(Note: I have looked into full packages like osCommerce and Cubcart, but as I do not need --or want-- a 'shopping cart' neither of these monsters seem to be what I'm looking for.)
Terminology:
1. What is the term used for the page which presents post-search database information on the client's computer?
More specificaly: I am assuming I need three things to make this function -- a search form that queries the database, a database, and a page to present the data.
A. What are the 'keywords' to search for these different entities? (Db's I know well enough to search for problems / help... the other two... I'm clueless.)
So far those are my biggest learning curve stumbling blocks.
Thanks much for reading through this. And many, MANY, thanks in advance for taking to the time to even *think* about replying. Hopefully your answers will help chip away the mortar of the wall I seem to have encountered in my self tutorial.
And again, well met. You guys seem to have a great community here.
Cheers,
-Ebonsun
(http://www.ebonsun.com)