Advice requested on starting site construction

The background: I'm Ok with HTML and Dreamweaver (but not a skilled user by any
means), and I have managed to implement some simple forms. Having some free
time on my hands between jobs, I'm going to put together a new site that will
be used by a few friends (so I'm not worried about SEO). The real reason for
doing it is to learn some new skills and techniques, and have a bit of fun.

Before I get started, I'd be grateful for advice on how to structure a site,
techniques to use, languages to learn etc. - all I'm looking for is a few lines
to point me in the right direction please.

The site is in effect a way to display a database of names, all of which could
be in multiple categories. I want users to be able to display all names from a
certain category, with an associated image for each name. I'd also like users
to be able to submit new names and suggested (already existing) categories into
which they fit, so that they can easily be integrated into the database.

And naturally, I'd like to be able to display it prettily, with some simple
graphic effects, like random displays of categories / details / photos of
people from the database. Was thinking it would only really have one user
page, the home page.

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks, Matt,

theboyfromthefens wrote:

The background: I'm Ok with HTML and Dreamweaver (but not a skilled user by any
means), and I have managed to implement some simple forms. Having some free
time on my hands between jobs, I'm going to put together a new site that will
be used by a few friends (so I'm not worried about SEO). The real reason for
doing it is to learn some new skills and techniques, and have a bit of fun.

Before I get started, I'd be grateful for advice on how to structure a site,
techniques to use, languages to learn etc. - all I'm looking for is a few lines
to point me in the right direction please.

Some css knowledge would be of assistance to you but I suspect youre
more interested in the dynamic stuff so read below.

The site is in effect a way to display a database of names, all of which could
be in multiple categories. I want users to be able to display all names from a
certain category, with an associated image for each name. I'd also like users
to be able to submit new names and suggested (already existing) categories into
which they fit, so that they can easily be integrated into the database.

You need to get familar with a server language like php, asp or cold
fusion and a database application like mySql or Access

I would suggest php and mySql as these seem to be the most popular
combination and have many resources online from which you can learn
snippets.

If this is your first steps into databasing then you would obviously
need to set up your computer with the two components required i.e., php
and mySql

To set those up you can probably find instructions on the web.... just
google setting up php/mySql on PC or setting up php/mySql on Mac

The below link provides step by step instruction for setting up on the
Mac. It's a bit old but the process is still much the same.

Also at the resource, regardless of whether youre using a PC or Mac
there is a simple step by step guide to setting up your first database,
connecting to the database, searching the database and retreiving
information from it. You might want to do this as a first step before
moving onto inserting records and deleting records.


http://swanilda.com/mactuts.html


There are specific instruction on the Adobe website for inserting new
records and deleting old ones however I would take this stuff slowly and
one small step at a timebecaus ethere is a lot to learn and ikt can be
very confusing. Not something that you should go into lightly. You need
to want to be able to do it or you will fall at the first hurdle.

And naturally, I'd like to be able to display it prettily, with some simple
graphic effects, like random displays of categories / details / photos of
people from the database. Was thinking it would only really have one user
page, the home page.

I'd get to grip with the very basics firat then move on from that point.
this is not something you can learn in a couple of hours.

You'll also need a webserver like Apache if on Windows....

--
Murray --- ICQ 71997575
Adobe Community Expert
(If you *MUST* email me, don't LAUGH when you do so!)
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"Osgood" <notavailable (AT) thisaddress (DOT) com> wrote

theboyfromthefens wrote:

The background: I'm Ok with HTML and Dreamweaver (but not a skilled user
by any means), and I have managed to implement some simple forms. Having
some free time on my hands between jobs, I'm going to put together a new
site that will be used by a few friends (so I'm not worried about SEO).
The real reason for doing it is to learn some new skills and techniques,
and have a bit of fun.

Before I get started, I'd be grateful for advice on how to structure a
site, techniques to use, languages to learn etc. - all I'm looking for is
a few lines to point me in the right direction please.

Some css knowledge would be of assistance to you but I suspect youre more
interested in the dynamic stuff so read below.


The site is in effect a way to display a database of names, all of which
could be in multiple categories. I want users to be able to display all
names from a certain category, with an associated image for each name.
I'd also like users to be able to submit new names and suggested (already
existing) categories into which they fit, so that they can easily be
integrated into the database.

You need to get familar with a server language like php, asp or cold
fusion and a database application like mySql or Access

I would suggest php and mySql as these seem to be the most popular
combination and have many resources online from which you can learn
snippets.

If this is your first steps into databasing then you would obviously need
to set up your computer with the two components required i.e., php and
mySql

To set those up you can probably find instructions on the web.... just
google setting up php/mySql on PC or setting up php/mySql on Mac

The below link provides step by step instruction for setting up on the
Mac. It's a bit old but the process is still much the same.

Also at the resource, regardless of whether youre using a PC or Mac there
is a simple step by step guide to setting up your first database,
connecting to the database, searching the database and retreiving
information from it. You might want to do this as a first step before
moving onto inserting records and deleting records.


http://swanilda.com/mactuts.html


There are specific instruction on the Adobe website for inserting new
records and deleting old ones however I would take this stuff slowly and
one small step at a timebecaus ethere is a lot to learn and ikt can be
very confusing. Not something that you should go into lightly. You need to
want to be able to do it or you will fall at the first hurdle.


And naturally, I'd like to be able to display it prettily, with some
simple graphic effects, like random displays of categories / details /
photos of people from the database. Was thinking it would only really
have one user page, the home page.

I'd get to grip with the very basics firat then move on from that point.
this is not something you can learn in a couple of hours.

Thanks both. CSS I'm comfortable with, so it's php and MySQL next for me...