Setting up a MySQL Database

[danielle v2.1b]

Hi there,

I'm a database virgin and I was wondering if anyone could show me the ropes! I want to set up a database of member profiles for my girlfriends and this is how far I got b4 I went all blonde n dumb...

I set up a db on the server, but didn't define the tables or structure... got some php pages; not problem connecting... only I got no tables! What's best to do? Do I need to make a php file to create the tables and structure or does MySQL have an interface of somekind like Access?

BTW I did read the f'in manual but it don't make sense! If anyone can help b4 blood starts 2 pour from my ears coz of the learning curve I'll b your best buddy 4 life!

Dani xxx

[jwm5411]

Dani, with all due respect when I say this...you are trying to do something that is out of your league right now. It sounds like you are trying to setup a database schema(tables, data), build insert, update, select and delete queries on the data, and connect it to a website...and are trying to code this yourself without understanding what a database is.
My suggestions are:
1. find a web database programmer to help
2. spend time in a web development class or get the information from books...you have a fairly steep learning curve.
3. Use MS Frontpage, Macromedia Dreamweaver, other wizard based development tools to build the back end database...even this requires some level of database understanding.
Unfortunately as I said earlier web database programming has a fairly steep learning curve. Also, we all started where you are now...and the blood loss, hair pulling, frustration keeps coming...

[danielle v2.1b]

Hi John,

Thanks 4 the vote of no confidence hun, but I ain't that blonde! Maybe I've given u the wrong idea... I have used dbs b4, just not as part of a website. I've got my entire db structure planned out, I just wondered how ppl reckon it's easiest to configure the db initially and put some test data into it. Then I use Dreamweaver 2 cheat on writing on all the code n I can set up db connections no problems.

Does that make more sense, John?

Hugs,
Dani xxx

[redcircle]

Assuming that you are using php as your serverside script.

phpMyAdmin is one of the best database management scripts out there. Add tables import/export/copy much more. http://phpmyadmin.sourceforge.net oh yeah.. it's free.. Check with your host. they probably have it installed already. if not you can install the latest.. it's not too hard to install

[danielle v2.1b]

Thanks 4 the tip redcircle, u da man! If I can ever return the favour just ask ; )

mwah, mwah,

Dani xxx

[freddieb]

A good way to go, if you're running Windows is to download PHPTRIADhttp://sourceforge.net/projects/phptriad/
and you can do all of your building and testing on your local machine, then export your final tables as a text file, load it into PHPMYADMN on your live server and away you go!

For a heap of ready made scripts that might fit the bill, along with tutorials, etc, try
http://php.resourceindex.com/

Welcome to the club!

[compusolver]

After you've got your database created (which it sounds like you have) try something like this:

  
<?
  // assumes $server,$user,$password and $dbname have been defined
  @mysql_pconnect($server,$user,$password);
  mysql_select_db($dbname);
  $tablename = "countries";
  $sql = "CREATE TABLE $tablename (
    country char(2) NOT NULL primary key,
    display char(50) not null
  )";
 mysql_query($sql) or die("ack! query failed");
 $display = addslashes("AFGHANISTAN"); // in case there were single quotes, etc.
 $sql = "INSERT INTO countries (country,display) VALUES ('AF','$display')";
 mysql_query($sql) or die("ack! query failed");
?>

Please don't be too hard on John (jwm5411). If you're just playing around on your own site, this is a great way to learn, but all too often web designers try to learn on a clients 'nickel'. If you're doing this for a client, please do heed John's advice.

[danielle v2.1b]

Hi,

Thanks 4 your suggestions freddie and compusolver! I like the sound of PHPTriad, I'll have a look there after I've written this.

You've read the situation right, compusolver, it's for my own site and I just wanted to know how to get the first lot of data into the database so I can test it and set up the various types of interaction I'd like to have with it. If I come across as annoyed in my reply to John, know that I'm only jesting! I really do appreciate all your comments, design is my forte so having your support on this new foray is so cool ; )

From what I'm gathering from you I have two options:

1 - Get a pre-build php tool to move data in and out as per Freddie and Redcircle's suggestions

Or

2 - Write a simple php form to pass some sample data in as per Compusolver's suggestion

Is that right?

Thanks, Dani xx

[danielle v2.1b]

Hey guys!

I was looking through the sites you've suggested and, well, the problem is, being honest, they're a bit clunky for me. I mean, I can use them and stuff, but PhPMyAdmin is kinda awkward, less friendly as an interface than say Access (which isn't friendly in itself!).

So I searched and I searched and eventually I found something which looks the part!!! It's relatively cheap at $95 USD and the trial looks excellent... but! I was wondering if any of you geniuses out there has any expreience of this product so I can get a second opinion b4 parting with my hard earned dosh... I'm only a poor working girl y'know! I found it at http://www.navicat.com/ if you want to see it.

Many thanks,

Dani xxx

[cyanide]

Hi danielle,

I think the main question would be, how are you going to create this members database ?

Would you be looking at creating a script to manage and retrieve the data to your web pages? or use a pre-built script?

You mentioned being a database newbie...
My advice would be to find a ready-made script. You can find some here www.hotscipts.com
Now, if that's the route you go, then you may not even need to use a MySQL interface like phpmyadmin or the one you mentioned. (I don't want you to pay for something you may never use)

You may want to spend that money on a good script
Most scripts are easily modified through a web-based interface, which means you won't even really need to use phpmyadmin or similar.

[danielle v2.1b]

Hi Cyanide,

U opening up whole new avenues 2 me now hun... I had checked hotscripts.com, but nothing really reached out and grabbed me as being yes, that's the script that does what I want, but then there are so many on there... maybe I take another look.

What I was planning to do was create a php sign-up/edit profile type of form, plus one for sending searches over the db and another to display results. But, anything which means I don't have 2 look at that phpMyAdmin page again lol! Don't get me wrong, it's definately a useful piece of kit, I just find it kinda awkward... if I can get a script that cuts that out then at least I can get back to the important things in life like pretending 2 work while surfing the net 4 hot porn, ooops errr I mean recipes 2 cook 4 my lovely hard working man! :-P

Thank god I'm moving 2 Canada next month... seems like all the rocket scientists live in North America! Many thanks 4 pointing out this 3rd way of getting 2 the goal, Cyanide ; )

Regards,
Dani xxx

[cyanide]

Originally Posted by danielle v2.1b

Hi Cyanide,

U opening up whole new avenues 2 me now hun... I had checked hotscripts.com, but nothing really reached out and grabbed me as being yes, that's the script that does what I want, but then there are so many on there... maybe I take another look.

To be honest, finding a script does take some trial and error, time and a dab of patience.

What I was planning to do was create a php sign-up/edit profile type of form, plus one for sending searches over the db and another to display results. But, anything which means I don't have 2 look at that phpMyAdmin page again lol! Don't get me wrong, it's definately a useful piece of kit, I just find it kinda awkward...

Programs like phpmyadmin and the like are normally used by programmers. So, I think it may be beneficial to use your $$$ to purchase a script with good support, than find a MySQL manager.
Most scripts come with a back-end in which information can be added to the database, eliminating the need for phpmyadmin and the like.

Thank god I'm moving 2 Canada next month... seems like all the rocket scientists live in North America! Many thanks 4 pointing out this 3rd way of getting 2 the goal, Cyanide ; )

Well, we're certainly glad to have you.
Careful not to offend some of our awesome UK, Australian and other valuable members LOL