Very new to PHP Script

[Alex_is_Axel]

Goodmorning everyone,

I am very new to PHP scripting and i am wanting to have a messageboard on my website. I was just wondering if i need to install anything onto my website to make php work? do i need to install anything on my computer to set up php? what do i really need to make php work?

when i open php scripts on my computer on IE, text comes up of the code of the php script. I have Dreamweaver MX and when i put PHP script on the program, nothing displays on the display area from the script. Is this right? what have i/am i doing/done something wrong?

Thank you for your help and time

Sincerly Alex

 

[SPeedY_B]

PHP is a server side scripting language, therefore you need a webserver (Apache, IIW, PWS) and the actual PHP program itself, which is available from http://www.php.net

If you want to setup PHP on windows, there is a guide that I wrote in the networking section.

 

[Zedric]

Just to avoid confusion:
"and the actual PHP program itself,"

 

[SPeedY_B]

heh, oops
*edits post*

And just for reference, my guide is here

 

[Alex_is_Axel]

im sorry to be anoying.. but what download of php do i need to download? i went searching and there were loadz of different downloads .. kinda confussed me

Thank you for your help

Sincerly Alex

 

[SPeedY_B]

where exactly are you trying to install it to?

If its a windows machine, get the windows version, if its linux get the linux version..etc..

 

[Zedric]

Just choose a mirror after clicking the link.

Windows:
http://www.php.net/get/php-4.3.1-installer.exe/from/a/mirror

*nix:
http://www.php.net/get/php-4.3.1.tar.gz/from/a/mirror

 

[Alex_is_Axel]

thank you for your help, ill let you know how i get along :happy:

Thank you Speedy_B and Zedric

 

[Niall]

Save time and sweat

You can try to install all this or you can have a freeware do it for you:
Try EasyPHP: Here
The soft is in English but you will have part of the site in French.
Here you will find the downloads. Good luck

 

[Alex_is_Axel]

Thank you Niall, Ill give that a try when i next have any real spare time on my hands for me to set up a server etc.

By the way, Welcome to NTFS.org

 

[Niall]

Thanks !

EasyPHP actually installes Apache, PHP and MySql in one go. It only takes about 10 minutes to get the whole thing running !

 

[Alex_is_Axel]

My Brother is going to give that EasyPHP a try sometime next week. Ill let you know what he thinks of it

Alex

 

[X-Istence]

Just get some hosting from a free host or paid hosting. Much better than hosting it on your PC, unless you just want to test stuff out.

 

[Niall]

Oh Yes

I must fully agree to this.
Easyphp sets up a basic apache server with php and mysql. No security settings are made an you MUST ensure a high level of security if you intend to host a live site.
Do no play around with basic setting or you are exposing yourself to serious trouble.

 

[Alex_is_Axel]

Do you know any free hosting which supports php X-Istence?

 

[Zedric]

Tripod UK does:
www.tripod.co.uk

 

[X-Istence]

Originally posted by Alex_is_Axel
Do you know any free hosting which supports php X-Istence?

if you dont need a whole lot, ask on http://freewebspace.net/forums/

Mabey some generoes person that has space left will host you. Otherwise tripod.co.uk is your best bet. I dont know of any at the moment that support MySQL that are good.

 

[Alex_is_Axel]

ok. . thank you for your help.. ill look into Tripod.co.uk

Thank you once again

Alex