Many hosting services provide open-source software - running Apache web server, PHP, a server-side scripting language, and MySQL, a database server.
Users can use online tools available from the hosting service, but development of such method is slow. It would be better to develop pages on the user's local computer, test the pages, and when working properly, transfer the files using either the hosting service tools or a file transfer protocol (ftp) program, such as Ipswich's WS_FTP.
Download Individual Software?
The user may choose to download each of the component software from their respective company websites, and attempt to make sense of their interactions using company manuals or a technical book, such the Teach Yourself reference given.
However, this method requires much reading, understanding and ultimately, frustration.
Third Party Software - EasyPHP
A better way is to download a collection of this software by a third party who have attempted - and succeeded - to simplify and automate installation in one hit, and providing a central panel to coordinates activities.
A scan of the Internet reveals many such third parties, one of which is the free EasyPHP software. One may simply download a single file package in the operating platform of choice from their website, double click on the file and follow instructions.
EasyPHP Panel
Running EasyPHP actually starts up the Apache web server and MySQL database server. When launched under Windows, an icon appears in the tray, beside the clock (figure 1).
A right click on the icon gives access to various menus, including:
Viewing PHP Pages
Any PHP file can be accessed by the browser and viewed when the file is placed in the "www" folder under the "EasyPHP 3.0" folder, located under C:\Program Files. To view webpages, the user selects the "local Web" menu or some alias that can be set up from the Administration page.
Writing a First PHP page
There are many suitable text editors available to assist in writing webpage language specializing for HTML or PHP. The syntax is often highlighted in different colors to make reading easier. In this example we will use a simple text editor.
The PHP Code is integrated directly into the HTML, for example to return the current date, see Figure 2. The PHP page is saved in the "www" folder with a .php extension, say date.php. To see the result, EasyPHP should already be launched, the "local Web" menu opened and the work folder (or an alias) selected.
Then "date.php" can be clicked.
Available PHP Tools
The full PHP language manual is available, beginning from simple language syntax to more advanced database access functions. The database reference manual is also available.
The user should consult a good book such as the reference given and also, not hesitate to use the Internet to search for a multitude of helpful tutorial examples.
related post
Help on EasyPHP
Configuration tools
Explorer: View PHP pages
Web local: Opens the local web
Administration to access MySQL
Viewing PHP Pages
Any PHP file can be accessed by the browser and viewed when the file is placed in the "www" folder under the "EasyPHP 3.0" folder, located under C:\Program Files. To view webpages, the user selects the "local Web" menu or some alias that can be set up from the Administration page.
Writing a First PHP page
There are many suitable text editors available to assist in writing webpage language specializing for HTML or PHP. The syntax is often highlighted in different colors to make reading easier. In this example we will use a simple text editor.
The PHP Code is integrated directly into the HTML, for example to return the current date, see Figure 2. The PHP page is saved in the "www" folder with a .php extension, say date.php. To see the result, EasyPHP should already be launched, the "local Web" menu opened and the work folder (or an alias) selected.
Then "date.php" can be clicked.
Available PHP Tools
The full PHP language manual is available, beginning from simple language syntax to more advanced database access functions. The database reference manual is also available.
The user should consult a good book such as the reference given and also, not hesitate to use the Internet to search for a multitude of helpful tutorial examples.