Ponderations

[binidj]

So I'm pondering dipping my toe into the big, scary world of online databases ... though it's entirely possible that I'll chicken out when I see just how nasty they are. As a result of this foolhardy notion I was hoping that you, gentle reader, could suggest a database that might be a useful place to start. I've had a brief look at MySQL but the community version looks aimed at database developers as opposed to someone like me; and the network version is beyond my price range at the moment.

Furthermore I had decided to use php (well, I was thinking of maybe learning a bit of php anyway) as opposed to asp or vbscript to call the database from a website . From what I've seen, php looks more 'dullard-friendly' ... is this a wise decision? What reasons are there for avoiding php?

Hmm, the more I write, the more I think that maybe I should do this the old-fashioned way with very long pages of html.

Comments

[wildwinter.livejournal.com]

It all rather depends whether you're setting up a server yourself or writing pages hosted on someone else's server.

Most webhosts these days will include PHP and probably MySQL pre-installed. Many include graphical tools to manipulate MySQL; to populate databases and the like. This is probably a good starting point.

If you're installing everything from scratch, things will be slightly tougher - but if it's Linux, the Linux Apache MySQL PHP (LAMP) setup is extremely common and there should be lots of how-to documents out there on setting it up.

I personally use MySQL and PHP all the time; but I really don't know how to judge whether it's easy to pick up or not, I'm afraid, as I've used computers for far too long and so what I think might be easy might in fact be dreadfully obscure. Am happy to help out / give pointers if you get stuck, tho'...

However I wouldn't touch ASP/VBScript with a barge pole. But that's just personal preference and anti-Gates-ness. :-)

[wildwinter.livejournal.com]

Oh, while I think on it...

I would definitely plump for PHP and MySQL over many other setups, just because there is a huge user-base out there, so there are lots of tutorials/helpsites - and most of the questions you want to ask will already have been asked somewhere. It's just a case of figuring out where to ask the questions. :-)

And if you do go for MySQL, I mentioned graphical tools - there are a bunch of such tools you can pick up for free which should make your life easier.

Hope that's of some help.