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...t-in-5-minutes.


The top of laziness is to do everything correct from the beginning: http://www.webproworld.com/webmaster...ramming-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...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.