html and database linkage ? please help me understand

[trevorsaint]

Hi all, I am familiar with HTML and web design, but have never explored the possibility of database connectivity until now where my employment required me to understand and implement a simple database connectivity. The most I have done in terms of user friendlyness is SSI.

I really could use some expert advice, examples, recommendations for a beginner in the database internet side. I gather that this is becomming the best option if not the best option to implement a site regardless of business and personal. So please help me understand. Examples, book recommendations, or tutorials to get me started would kindly be appreciated.

thank you

Trevor Saint

[λ]

Well... basically, you have something called the database server. This holds all the records, tables and databases. Some common choices are MySQL, SQL Server and for large corporate sites, Oracle.

Then you have something called middleware. This is a language you use to query the database, and send the results to the frontend. This script is run on the server. Some common choices are PHP, ASP, and ColdFusion.

Finally, you have a frontend - this is what the user sees and uses. For a web app, you'd probably be using Flash or HTML for this.

For examples and tutorials, I really need to know which DBS and Server-Side language you are using. Probably the most often used two are MySQL and PHP. If you want a tutorial for this, you can use my tutorial here : http://www.kirupa.com/web/sqlrecords_php.htm =)

Let me know what server-side language you are using, and I'll get back to you with some examples/books.

[trevorsaint]

Hi, and thanks loads for your email, I love it when I get positive feedback from people. Part of my job is to design a site for this company. http://www.tbc-recruit.com which to be honest at its current design and state is awful. I will be working with programmers, rather like helping each other out so to speak, where I am the designer they do the programming, however I do the HTML and stuff like that, they do the database etc. I must learn and develop skills in this area, for example how to attach to the database. Its more an understanding of the processes involved in making them work for one another. I am new to all of this side of things as I have never had dealings with databases, or even now SSL, which is yet another problem I have no idea of modifying, so if you are good with this to, I could really really use your expertise. I hope for a reply as you seem happy to help, until then I await your reply.

Thank you again for your time.

Trev

[λ]

OK - I think I see... so you won't be actually coding the database script, your job will more be to make your designs easy to modify for the coders that are making this page.

I'll try to whip up a quick example for you... for now you can use the example in my tute.

Here is a tutorial for you on the basics of databases and SQL:
http://www.devshed.com/Server_Side/Administration/DatabaseEss/page2.html

[prstudio]

I personally use ASP and PHP.

I prefer ASP because of its speed and objects.

It all comes down to what you learn the easiest.

ASP stands for Active Server Pages.

A great site for beginners is www.asp101.com

Take a look at the samples section. It is a great website that covers all the basics. Such as creating a member databse, or email scripts, and so on. It will even touch on content management.

This will take some time to learn, as it is pure coding. It isn't something that you can drag and drop and create.

njs explained it well...

trevorsaint: this is a deep hole to dive down, take your time and try and learn it.

Read up at the site njs provided and the one I did, and let us know your questions. We are happy to help out. :)

[DigitalPimp]

Originally posted by njs12345
Well... basically, you have something called the database server. This holds all the records, tables and databases. Some common choices are MySQL, SQL Server and for large corporate sites, Oracle.



At $11,000 for a single processor license, I wouldn't think SQL Server isn't geared for small/medium business. I most deff. wouldnt put it on the same level as MySQL!!

I use ASP because ASP roxs, PHP is good but I just prefer M$ (I work for a Microsoft Partner).

Another good resource for asp is http://www.4guysfromrolla.com. I'll try to get Norie to post the link he had which showed how to setup an Access DB with ASP. You can get a Brinkster.com account and they give u asp & asp.net access.

Pretty cool stuff.

[λ]

I didn't know SQL Server was that much :!:

[trevorsaint]

Ok thank you guys for the replies. I have installed PHP and mySQL, my server is compatible with both and has been tested, ok people where do I start from here. Performing something really simple to you people like having two fields : name, email, and be able to communicate with the database. for example every time someone adds their name and email and clicks submit this will be added to the database. This hopefully will just get me into some form of communication, does anyone have time to help me out here, as I have no idea where do go from here, and yes its PHP and mysql I need to learn, not really ASP. I wish I had the brain to learn all and remember it, but I am no programmer guru, just like design, however part of my job requires it. But I have time to learn just need that kick start guys.

thanks