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"Getting started with PHP"

I've decided I want to tinker with PHP. I understand that it is free - is that true?

Is it something that can be installed on a PC for 'practice', or does it all have to be uploaded to the server first?

Is there anything I specifically need to know before downloading and installing it? Do I need anything else to go with it?

You know... all the usual dumb questions that us beginners ask... :-)

oh...
There are free php domains that don't need dial-up, just not as good as Freeola, wish other domains gave you unlimitted webspace, even Supanames has cut down :(
It's good to have your own server just to test them out though + if you host your own you can test MySql...etc which you'd have to pay for.
Do you need and special software to run ASP? I've only seen ASP support offered at one place before although i'm sure theres many more.

I'd never host my own Site on my computer and keep it on all the time, just for testing purpases as Freeola still want you to Upload via dial-up. If they had the monthly fee package, then we wouldn't need all this testig stuff as it would be easier and wouldn't cost money to Upload.

Yeah my old HD, its a small 5GB one, and the new one is 80GB so I'll just use the smaller one for Web Files, just to make it easier for me to test and find, etc.

Testing purposes with a seperate hdd just for websites?

Nah, I think he means only for testing purposes. Having to sync two file repositories every time you make a change is very annoying :-)

Oh, and don't bother with PERL CGI. It's a pain in the rectum, and anything PERL can do, PHP can literally do better - even PCRE!

Bad thing about running your own server for your websites is: bandwidth and online time.
Most servers like Freeola..etc have unlimmited bandwidth and if your site gets popular, they can handle it but I doubt you'd enjoy having loads of people using up your 512k connection! :)
Also if you want the majority (mainly Americans) to view your websites, you'll have to keep it online 24/7 which sucks, especially if the PC is in the middle of your house or in your bedroom, beeps and fans arn't helpful if you want a good nights sleep.

But... Home servers are the cheapest way without a doubt, i'd have thought they'd be best for viewing pages or a website before uploading it though not as a main service.

Oh and you'd be lucky to fine a Free host for PHP and MySQL.

Freeola do PHP and they are good, but I really wish they would sort out their service soon as I've got Broadband and they make you Upload via Dial-up which I know longe rhave access to.

You could always Download MySQL and run it on your machine along with the Server Software your using. I'm gonna install Win2K soon and use a seconds hard Drive as a dedicated Server Drive, with the Server, MySQL software and Sites on it :o) Hope it works, lol.

Yeah I tried my hand in CGI, but found it to be way to much work compaired to PHP. It can do the sames things I was after in CGI but makes it easier for me to code and understand that each bit does.

I did buy 'Mastering Perl 5' and 'Perl in 24 Hours' Both seemed to be quiet good at trying to teach it, but as I wasn't into learning it that much, they didn't help me.

Sadly i'm not into CGI scripting, if I need anything I go to a resource website, seems the easy options but I don't really like them, except for HTML e-mail, forms and soon, an MP3 jukebox :)
Anything else is easily made with PHP. :)

Fog wrote:
> Wookie Monster, try searching Amazon.co.uk for a CGI book, I havn't
> found the customer reviews very reliable though so you'll probably
> have to look elsewhere for reviews on the books they sell.

Cheers. I'm just looking through Amazon's list now. Just wondered if anyone had used any titles that they'd found really useful. :-)