PHP and MySQL® For Dummies®, 4th Edition

Chapter 12. Building a Members Only Web Site

In This Chapter

• Designing the Members Only Web site

• Building the database for the member directory

• Designing the Web pages for the Members Only section

• Writing the programs for logging in to the Members Only section

Many Web sites require users to log in. Sometimes users can't view any Web pages without entering a password, while sometimes just part of the Web site requires a login. Here are some reasons why you might want to require a user login:

• The information is secret. You don't want anyone except a few authorized people to see the information. Or perhaps only your own employees should see the information.

• The information or service is for sale. The information or service that your Web site provides is your product, and you want to charge people for it. For instance, you might have a corner on some survey data that researchers are willing to pay for. For example, AAA Automobile Club offers some of its information for free, but you have to be a member to see its hotel ratings.

• You can provide better service. If you know who your customers are or have some of their information, you can make their interaction with your Web site easier. For instance, if you have an account with Barnes and Noble or the Gap and log in to its site, it uses your stored shipping address, and you don't have to type it again.

• You can find out more about your customers. Marketing would like to know who is looking at your Web site. A list of customers with addresses and ...