PHP & MySQL® Web Development All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies®

Chapter 1. Setting Up Your Web Environment

In This Chapter

• Choosing a Web-hosting company

• Setting up your development environment

• Testing PHP and MySQL

PHP and MySQL are a popular pair for building dynamic Web applications. PHP is a scripting language designed specifically for use on the Web, with features that make Web design and programming easier. MySQL is a fast, easy-to-use RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) used on many Web sites. MySQL and PHP as a pair have several advantages:

• They're free. It's hard to beat free for cost-effectiveness.

• They're Web oriented. Both were designed specifically for use on Web sites. Both have a set of features focused on building dynamic Web sites.

• They're easy to use. Both were designed to get a Web site up quickly.

• They're fast. Both were designed with speed as a major goal. Together they provide one of the fastest ways to deliver dynamic Web pages to users.

• They communicate well with one another. PHP has built-in features for communicating with MySQL. You don't need to know the technical details; just leave it to PHP.

• A wide base of support is available for both. Both have large user bases. Because they're often used as a pair, they often have the same user base. Many people are available to help, including people on e-mail discussion lists who have experience using MySQL and PHP together.

• They're customizable. Both are open source, thus allowing programmers to modify the PHP and MySQL software to fit their own specific environments. ...