What scripting language should I learn (using Dreamweaver)?

[Deathwing]

Hi I would like to learn a scripting language to create dynamic web pages to make a simple database-driven online browser game (no moving graphics at first, just text and simple uploaded pictures) with a secure login. I currently use Dreamweaver for HTML coding and it lists the following scripting languages it recognises:

ColdFusion ColdFusion Markup Language (CFML)
ASP.NET Visual Basic / C#
Active Server Pages (ASP) VBScript / JavaScript
JavaServer Pages (JSP) Java
PHP

I was originally going to go for PHP because it seemed the most simple, but I am open to suggestions as to which would be most appropriate for my intended use?

I am also a little confused as to what I need in terms of mySQL, Apache, etc on my PC. I've tried installing both but they don't seem to create any application to run. Do I need both or just the one? I am trying to keep things as simple as possible, thanks!

[knorthfield]

Definitely go for PHP, lots more support and information around and more commonly used.

[Deathwing]

Thanks it looks like I will be opting for PHP. I also solved the Apache issue and got it running on my computer so I can test files on localhost.

mySQL 5.5 does not seem to install any application though. If someone could point me to a good SQL database tutorial (starting with how to install and run mySQL!) that would be great :)

[IS_NUMERIC]

Install WAMPSERVER {google it as I cant add links !!!!}

This installs a full technology stack including PHPMYADMIN for managing your database

Make sure you uninstall your standalone PHP version first

[izapharry]

PHP and mysql is the best combination, If you want to learn any programming language.

[jaydeee]

I'm also new to php and mysql however I find it not hard to learn so I recommend it.

[HTMLBasicTutor]

Install WAMPSERVER {google it as I cant add links !!!!}

This installs a full technology stack including PHPMYADMIN for managing your database

Make sure you uninstall your standalone PHP version first
Second this suggestion with a note:

If you can't get it to run, turn off IIS on your machine.

WampServer link is http://www.wampserver.com/en/

Before you tackle any programming language or construction of databases I think learning the principles of good programming and databases would be where to start. Sure PHP is popular and used widely but if you can't understand the logic behind the scripts you use then you won't learn anything looking at examples. It would also help you create well optimized sites. There are lots of sites which use programming and databases that are slow to respond. My feeling is that the person(s) that developed these sites did not do their best to minimize the routines required to give the visitor the results they wanted.

[deepsand]

Before you tackle any programming language or construction of databases I think learning the principles of good programming and databases would be where to start.
A step unfortunately skipped by far too many.

While there are those who claim that programming is a skill best acquired by practice and example rather than from books, the fact is that, as is the case in very many disciplines, practical proficiency is limited to the extent that one knows and understands the theoretical.

I would here go further, and urge that one first learn the principles of computing before studying programming.

[kgun]

I am also a little confused as to what I need in terms of mySQL, Apache, etc on my PC. I've tried installing both but they don't seem to create any application to run. Do I need both or just the one? I am trying to keep things as simple as possible, thanks!


If you want a test server where you can learn php, you can install everything in one package here:

http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html

http://www.webproworld.com/webmaster-forum/threads/49878-Make-your-own-quot-test-webserver-quot-in-5-minutes.


The top of laziness is to do everything correct from the beginning: http://www.webproworld.com/webmaster-forum/threads/98819-Test-driven-programming-in-PHP

Note no, scripting language is more intimately tied to HTML than php, so it is by far the easiest web scripting language:

Related: http://www.webproworld.com/webmaster-forum/threads/106995-Web-programming-for-the-future.

[wulaishiwo]

Highly recommend php, php and mysql are the best "partner". In fact, many program are similar, you can easy learn other if you are familiar one.

[kgun]

php and mysql best for your application although both are free and open source ,

it is simple and secure

Opinion may differ on the best open source database plattform:

Why MySQL and not PostgreSQL? (http://www.webproworld.com/webmaster-forum/threads/95150-Why-MySQL-and-not-PostgreSQL)

Sun Java and MySQL are now owned by Oracle. That may be enough that some people move from Java to PHP and from MySQL to PostgreSQL.

[garycorbett]

Opinion may differ on the best open source database plattform:

Sun Java and MySQL are now owned by Oracle. That may be enough that some people move from Java to PHP and from MySQL to PostgreSQL.

Very true, Postgre looks like the better option and its user-base will no doubt grow in the future.

[kgun]

Very true, Postgre looks like the better option and its user-base will no doubt grow in the future.
It also seems to be the preferred free open database platfrom for professional programmers.

Advice: Program your applications so it is as database platform independent as possible.

More precisely, make a site wide database connection point so you only need to change a few lines if you move to another plattfrom.

Further information: http://www.webproworld.com/webmaster-forum/threads/87063-A-walk-in-the-garden-part-1.

[Bliss Ellison]

Try the PHP, mySQL, and JSP combination on Apache server to reduce the risk of failure as PHP is available open source and easy to program.

[pbreit]

Since it sounds like you are leaning towards PHP, I would also suggest the WAMP solution (if you are on Windows) which provides a functioning installation of Apache web server, MySQL database and PHP. However, at some point you will need to deploy your app to a real hosted web server so you may have another decision to make.

Another option which I like if you are not married to PHP is Web2py which is Python based and comes with a web server and database in the download. You can be coding a database-driven web site in minutes and Python os a much better language (although PHP is fine for many purposes).