How to Build Your Own Database Driven PHP Website Using MySQL
When new users to web development enter the arena, they often hear words such as "MySql" and "PHP" and immediately feel overwhelmed. While it's true that developing a MySql database and coding all of the PHP needed to run that database should be left to seasoned programmers, it's actually rather simple to create a fancy database-driven website with the right software. The best part? That software is free to use and offers plenty of first-time-user documentation for a more manageable learning curve.
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Instructions
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Determine what type of website you want to operate. For instance, Wordpress is a MySql database-driven platform programmed using PHP. If you want to create a more traditional website, programs such as Joomla and Drupal offer more robust website-driven databases. Opensourcecms offers information about each PHP open-source platform; they even show what type of databases the programs use.
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Create your MySQL database once you choose a platform. Log into your web host's administrator system. Find the "MySQL" option. Choose the option to create a new MySQL Database. You will be asked to name the database and create a username and password. Write down all of the information from your database---you will need that information to set up your new website/blog. If you cannot find the MySql option, call or email your hosting provider to find out how to start a MySQL database.
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Upload your new software to your FTP account. If you do not have an FTP Program, Filezilla is free and easy to use. You can get your FTP log-in information from the administrator area of your web host or by calling your host directly. Typically, your software folder will be uploaded to the main HTML folder; however, you should use the "readme" file provided with the software to determine the exact area to upload your software.
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Visit your website's URL after uploading the software. Most programs will launch the user into the setup process, which will ask for your database name, user name and password for your MySQL database. Follow the setup directions as they appear on your browser when you visit your sites URL. These setup directions will guide you while setting up your new website. Read the directions for your software---some programs require extra steps, such as folder permission settings to be altered, and tweaks to other files.
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Test your website by entering the administrator area of your program. For Joomla, you simply visit your websited url, followed by "/administrator" (without quotes). For example "www.testwebsite.com/administrator." While Wordpress uses "/wp-admin" (without quotes) or "www.testwebsite.com/wp-admin." Other programs may vary slightly; you'll want to check with the software's official website for more info. Add a few pages/posts and visit your site to see if the program is operating correctly.
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Tips & Warnings
Each type of MySQL-based PHP software will require its own setup processes. The information provided above is meant to show users the basic setup processes. Essentially, you will need to create a MYSQL database, upload the software over FTP and activate the software by visiting your URL. Software ReadMe files tend to offer simple step-by-step directions that even the newest Internet user can follow.
