Database / PHP script help
 

I've been making websites for 14 years and can edit a script like nobody's business. But I've never built one from the bottom up. I want to try learning and so I picked up a couple of teach yourself books but they are too advanced and a big part of each books deals with setting up a server, something I don't understand and don't need to understand because my host already has one.

I just want to learn the basics to start...basically I'd like to know how to create a simple database with categories and subcategories (I don't know the proper terms to use but for instance say I was doing a database of flowers and one flower category was rose, and another daffodil, then I also want there to be subcategories inside each like color, height, etc). And I want to know how to write the php/html that will pull the information out that I want.

Can anyone recommend a book or a website that has tutorials that can get me started? I know so much about editing the code that once I have this very basic start I should have no problem getting into the more complicated stuff. Right now I just don't understand how to set the database up.

Thanks.

Have you looked around on www.hotscripts.com they have loads of tutorials and a decent forum there.

I honestly didn't know they had anything other than just scripts. That's where I get all my scripts from but I've never poked around lol *blush*

Thanks!

Find the appserv project, look for it in any search engine. It's a package that automatically installs on your computer the apache server, the MySQL server and the phpMyAdmin with which you can create and manage databases very easily.

You don't need to have extense background, just the ABCs to create simple DBs.

Learn a little about the SQL Language, then if you know some php already, you're set.

Ya i get lot of stuff from there to, I hate there new design/layout to confusing for me these days lol...

If your ever bored hit me on ICQ.

Have you checked out lynda.com? They have online video tutorials that are quite in depth and lengthy.

http://www.lynda.com/home/ViewCourses.aspx?lpk0=99

They are geared more towards the novice.

www.sitepoint.com has tons of tutorials online + books. Check Kevin Yank's books. I purchased his books back in 2000 and I learnt alot from it. Also try and download free script, rip them apart and put them back together, it's a learning process like anything.

Hi Judy. First, I'd recommend that you download and install WAMPServer if you run Windows as your operating system. This will allow you to easily set up and maintain Apache, MySQL, and PHP locally. From then on, Google will be your best friend. Personally, I learned by setting a goal such as "I want to make a script that does..." and then I'd proceed to research the design patterns, functions, and whatever else was required to do so until I had a script that mirrored my original goals.

Good luck, and let us know if you need any help! :thumbsup

Take a look at w3schools.com thaey got everything

Try to familiarize yourself with database normalization.