Ok, here we go.
I am lost. I have been figuring out more and more everyday, but MYSql is one nasty tool for novices like myself. I was recently looking for some PHP scripts to spicen up my website, and as I was reading the descriptions, many referred to MySql as a needed feature. Thats great, but how do I go from finding these great PHP scripts and actually using them? I have quite a bit of text content on my site, but now I need the sticky features on it that will keep em coming back for more. Valiant, if you're out there, I'm sending you an S.O.S- Save our Site :grinning:

Hello bryson, Mysql is a awesome tool, In order to use Mysql with php scripts you must create a Mysql Database in your Mysql Manager on your control panel. Make sure that you save your Mysql database login information for each database you make and you add the information to a file in your php scripts. However be really careful, one mistake in php code and you can crash your work pretty easy. Some webhosts have a add-on's section wear they offer free easy installation of scripts which make it really easy to use. I know hostrocket.com offers this. And yes Mysql was a big Headache to learn when I first started. If you can get one mysql database and script up I would view the code of each php file so you get the hang of how this works. Once you custimize that script usually in a administration url of the script. you totally get the hang of it. Anyway if you get any mysql errors and cant seem to connect to your script. Try deleting that script from your directory and delete the mysql database, and try again. It will take some patience to learn this but it's totally worth it.

You should keep in mind that not all hosting includes a 'control panel'. While many do, there are some that do not. I would recommend that you check with your host about how to use MySQL on your server. PHPMyAdmin is one easy to use webbased solution but there's still nothing wrong with learning the old fashion SQL command route either.

Also, many of the 'canned' scripts you find on the internet will come with a script that sets up all of your necessary MySQL tables, etc. assuming you have proper authority. Always read all of the documentation that comes with any script you download.

Good luck! :grinning:

Thanks Valiant,
I know what you mean. I was messing around with it one day, testing the waters, ya know. Of course, I got a syntax error. No big deal. It was expected. Guess I'll keep raisen em up and tearin em down til til one of the gears gets movin. Thanks again Valiant, you never cease to amaze me!

Thanks Swampy,
I will check to see if I have the PHPadmin. You are right, I am one of the people not using c-panel. Do you think I am missing out on a lot there? I've never used it, so I wouldnt know. There is a company, kiosk.ws, I am thinking of transferring there, they have a lot more to offer. Only problem is, they seem to be having growing pains. I just got an email stating they will be down due to a generator installation. Is there something more there behind the scenes? I know kiosk has the features I am looking for, c-panel, a better email client, and more. What do you think?

By the way, welcome to the forum Swampy!

Bryson:
Post more specific questions to RS Mike and RS Tom. There are 2 of the most knowledgable PHP/MySQL people I have ever known.

and... If you need a book, I like "PHP/MySQL for the absolute beginner", ISBN# 1-931841-32-2

You can also find a great selection of PHP scripts at Hotscripts.com and Free PHP Classes at PHPClasses.org

Thank you Marifer,

I checked out hotscripts, that place rocks! I got a sign on and all from them, thats how much I liked it. Now, all I have to do is figure out how to get the darn scripts into mysql and get them to work.

Thanks!

Hotscripts.com is pretty cool, Thanks for the Link Marifer, I think I will add more php services on my site. Nice site has quite a bit collection of scripts.

http://www.phpmyadmin.net/home_page/ is a very good interface for MYSQL. It makes database administration a breeze, and provides a good visual picture of your data and its structure.

This is the database software many hosts claim as their "control panel."