How to Create a Database-Driven Website

Successful websites rely on databases to supply their content to users. Pages built entirely on HTML are static and never change, until someone goes through every HTML page and changes the information by hand. With your content stored in a database, the design and appearance of your website is not tied to individual HTML files. Instead, the content is separated and you can use it anywhere you want without retyping dozens, or even hundreds, of files.

Instructions

1. Decide what approach you will use for your website. There are software packages called Web frameworks that can take care of coding overhead for creating database-driven websites. They have their own learning curve, but are often faster than coding from scratch. Otherwise, you will need to learn how to use PHP to access information from a database, typically MySQL, and format it within HTML. Using a framework is the easiest option since custom code can be buggy, and can become very complicated for a large project.

2. Download the framework and install it on your Web server. Examples of frameworks are CakePHP or CodeIgniter. There are several frameworks known as Content Management Systems (CMS) designed to make database-driven sites for typical use. Examples of CMS include Drupal or Joomla. Frameworks are less intuitive than a CMS, but offer more control because you have to structure the site yourself. A CMS will have a built-in structure that is suitable for most sites.

3. Learn the method you choose by reading documentation. For hand coding, PHP and MySQL are well documented, and numerous tutorials are available online for beginners. Frameworks and CMSs always have extensive manuals on their corresponding websites. They usually have associated forums where users can ask questions and receive advice on how to use them. With practice, you can develop the website you need.

Tips & Warnings

• Deciding between hand coding, a framework or a CMS is a difficult choice. It depends on the purpose of your website. A small site with a very focused purpose is more easily hand-coded, but will become unmanageable if it grows too much. Frameworks offer flexibility, but take more time to set up and configure. A CMS can get a functional website online in minutes, but most of your time will be spent creating the layout and adding special functions. Whatever you decide, it is important to have your website properly mapped out before starting any work.

References

• MySQL: Building a Database-Driven Web Site Using PHP and MySQL
• Best Web Frameworks
• PHP
• Drupal
• CodeIgniter