PHP/mySQL - requesting resources for learning and application development
Hi, I am trying to learn PHP/mySQL for probably the 10th time. I've probably got 50 ebooks on the topic here, but for some reason it doesn't seem to "take" with me. I've come to the conclusion though, that I have no choice but to learn it to a level where I can at least hack at things and manage databases more effectively. I learn better when I work on a real application, and since I also have a real-world project that needs to get going that is where I am going to spend my time. It is a system for managing trade opportunities, I have an existing script for this that did some incredible things, but I may be starting from scratch on this, so am requesting help on any resources people may know about to help me get underway. This includes code generators - I know they may not be great for pure learning, but I need to have some thing operating at least crudely fairly quickly. Please let me know if you have any recommendation on tools or other resources I can use for this. For the benefit of people in the same spot as me, below are a few resources I have found useful:
SQLyog - This seems to be the best database management system for mySQL. The "enterprise" version looks great, but I have been able to do quite a bit with their free version. http://www.webyog.com
PHP for the Absolute Beginner. As I mentioned, I have tons of ebooks, but I found this tutorial to be the best "cut to the chase" resource. http://devzone.zend.com/article/627-PHP-101-PHP-For-the-Absolute-Beginner
PHP Designer 7. I have this on my computer, but have to admit I haven't used it, though it does look good. http://www.mpsoftware.dk/
PHP Form. I just found this and it does seem to be a useful service. My next step may be to use it to connect with a mysql database I have already created: http://www.phpform.org
That last one should give you an idea of where I am on this project. While I completely understand the structure of this kind of data, the actual implementation is in its very early stages. At the same time, I have data I need to manage and work with right now, so have also put together a jotform and then trying to put the results in a D7 PHP Block. This is all quite a challenge for me, so if anyone can recommend resources to make this a little less painful I would like to hear them. Rob
The new Dolphin solution is powered by UNA Community Management System.
http://www.amazon.com/CSS-Mastery-Advanced-Standards-Solutions/dp/1430223979
I also forgot to mention "smarty" - is anyone using that? The guys that make the directory software I use develop with it and they do some incredible things. Dosdawg mentioned though that is doesn't play well with Dolphin.
http://www.visibone.com/
I haven't got it yet but I will def get it. I'm waiting for 2010 Edition. :D
WebYog is good. You can also use the official MySQL GUI components which is free as well.
There's plenty of general online tutorials, but one that usually delivers the goods is www.w3schools.com - something for everything - HTML / CSS / SQL PHP ETC etc. Use it as a point of reference when you get stuck, or work through some of their tutorials
One BIG BIG tip. Don't try to teach yourself PHP / SQL by using or modding Dolphin, it's simply not very see more
Read about the right way to code, web standards are important for how HTML and CSS is presented to our browsers - A list apart is a great site to help keep abreast of web standards. http://www.alistapart.com/
Correct coding conventions are also very important - the way you write code - The way it is presented see more