9780764516504

Summary

You need to develop an interactive Web site in a hurry! Your boss just put you in charge of your company's online catalog. And you don't have a clue about how to develop a Web database application. Don't panic, the Dynamic Duo," PHP and MySQL, are here to save the day. MySQL is a fast, easy-to-use, open-source relational database management system that runs on most operating systems. PHP is a fast, easy-to-use, free scripting language designed for use on the Web that interacts with just about every type of database management system. Together, PHP and SQL have spelled relief for thousands of reluctant Web database developers just like you. PHP and MySQL For Dummies fills you in on how to develop Web database applications using the Dynamic Duo - and no programming or database experience required! With this friendly reference as your guide, you'll: Build and use a MySQL database Add PHP to HTML files Use all the features of the PHP language Use HTML forms to collect information from users Show information from a database in a Web page Store information in a database In plain English, expert Janet Valade explains PHP and MySQL and shows you how to access and get started with them. And with the help of two complete sample applications, she walks you through the entire Web database application development process. Topics covered in detail include: Creating and changing MySQL databases and moving data in and out of them Writing PHP programs that enable your Web pages to insert, update, or remove information from a MySQL database Organizing PHP programs into a functioning application that interacts with MySQL databases Common traps to avoid when developing Web database applications and fixes for common problems The bonus CD-ROM features: PHP MySQL Apache Web server Sample applications and code from the book Ready to take your site to a bold new level of interactivity? PHP and MySQL For Dummies shows you how.

Author Biography

Janet Valade has 17 years of experience as a Web designer, programmer, and systems analyst.

Introduction

(6)

Part I: Developing a Web Database Application Using PHP and MySQL

(54)

Introduction to PHP and MySQL

(12)

Setting Up Your Work Environment

(14)

Developing a Web Database Application

(26)

Part II: MySQL Database

(46)

Building the Database

(24)

Protecting Your Data

(20)

Part III: PHP

107

(144)

General PHP

109

(26)

PHP Building Blocks for Programs

135

(40)

Data In, Data Out

175

(54)

Moving Information from One Web Page to the Next

229

(22)

Part IV: Applications

251

(74)

Putting It All Together

253

(10)

Building an Online Catalog

263

(34)

Building a Members Only Web Site

297

(28)

Part V: The Part of Tens

325

(18)

Ten Tips for Database Design

327

(4)

Ten Things You Might Want to Do Using PHP Functions

331

(6)

Ten PHP Gotchas

337

(6)

Part VI: Appendixes

343

(30)

Appendix A: Installing MySQL

345

(10)

Appendix B: Installing PHP

355

(12)

Appendix C: CD Contents

367

(6)

Index

373

(18)

Hungry Minds End-User License Agreement

391

Supplemental Materials

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.