I want to learn web programming...where do I start?

[HamSupLo]

I want to learn how to build web sites with a SQL database backend. Ultimately, I want to build a log on page that authenticates a user by looking up a SQL database for name and password.

I see all sorts of stuff like CGI, Perl, PHP, Javascript, ASP. what would be a powerful language to learn that isn't too hard to pick up? Perl and PHP look kinda interesting. thanks.

 

[tweakmm]

PHP or ASP

 

[HamSupLo]

if i have PHP, do i need CGI?

 

[kt]

CGI and PHP are two different animals. Actually, PHP and ColdFusion are just CGI modules that are installed on the local server.

If you want to learn a web scripting language, go with ASP/VB.. it's the easiest to pick up if you have no programming background.

 

[777php]

PHP is relatively easy to learn and it sound like a perfect fit for what you need to do.

Also phpmyadmin is your friend.

 

[HamSupLo]

can i put javascript into PHP pages?

 

[manly]

Originally posted by: kt
CGI and PHP are two different animals. Actually, PHP and ColdFusion are just CGI modules that are installed on the local server.

If you want to learn a web scripting language, go with ASP/VB.. it's the easiest to pick up if you have no programming background.

Did you forget to mention that ASP is also deprecated in favor of ASP.NET?

can i put javascript into PHP pages?

Yes, because JavaScript is client-side scripting whereas all the other technologies you mentioned are processed on the server.

 

[StageLeft]

To get your basic start I'd HIGHLY recommend Wrox publishing's ASP 3.0 for beginners. The learning curve on basic non .NET ASP Is ridiculously low. Basically you start with an HTML page and add asp code where you see fit to add functionality, so you can start with something tiny. Setup a webserver on your machine if you're running windows (it's almost certainly one built in that you can setup) and you're good to go.

THen in regards to database access SQL server or Access (easier) are good to go with. Chances are access will meet your needs fine at this point.

With the ASP book they'll start at the beginning. If you know how to make a basic database (if not you can find a tutorial anywhere on the web) that particular ASP book will hold your hand through on how to create a connection string so that you can use the database on the page. Really I can't think of an easier way to begin.

BTW Wrox publishing is all the red computer books you'll see in your book store.

 

[HamSupLo]

I do have a little programming background in C++ and PL/SQL. I'm thinking of taking the plunge into PHP. my last question is what kind of things can I do with Perl? PHP+MySQL seem to be the preferred combo for database driven websites.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: jooksing
what kind of things can I do with Perl?

Anything from a simple hit counter to querying SQL databases for use in websites to platform independent GUI applications.

 

[astartz]

Use PHP and go to www.phpfreaks.com

They have a great how to for building a User login system.

 

[HamSupLo]

well, i just found out that my webhost is on windows IIS. does that mean i can't use perl/cgi?

 

[rh71]

IIS = code in ASP.

However, my personal opinion for easiest to learn/use in conjunction with any database is Cold Fusion. However, it's also the most expensive for a webhost to license/support. :| My webhost is Readyhosting.com and they support CF code for a measely $99/yr. Best deal anywhere.

 

[Martin]

Originally posted by: jooksing
well, i just found out that my webhost is on windows IIS. does that mean i can't use perl/cgi?

ASP is supported natively on IIS. Perl and PHP can also run on windows machines, but you have to check if your webhost has installed them. probably not.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: jooksing
well, i just found out that my webhost is on windows IIS. does that mean i can't use perl/cgi?

no. perl is supported on windows by Activestate and works just fine with IIS.

 

[Ameesh]

ASP.NET is the wayt to go, and dont listen to all the php people that say that developing ASP.NET apps cost any more money. if you have WindowsXP or Win2K and an internet connection you are set.

 

[Ameesh]

Originally posted by: rh71
IIS = code in ASP.

However, my personal opinion for easiest to learn/use in conjunction with any database is Cold Fusion. However, it's also the most expensive for a webhost to license/support. :| My webhost is Readyhosting.com and they support CF code for a measely $99/yr. Best deal anywhere.

stop talking out of your ass, IIS is a webserver ASP are the pages hosted on IIS, you can code in any .NET language when using ASP.NET which includes javascript, c#, etc.

 

[damiano]

My usual answer...

Learn Java

 

[damiano]

Originally posted by: Ameesh

Originally posted by: rh71
IIS = code in ASP.

However, my personal opinion for easiest to learn/use in conjunction with any database is Cold Fusion. However, it's also the most expensive for a webhost to license/support. :| My webhost is Readyhosting.com and they support CF code for a measely $99/yr. Best deal anywhere.

stop talking out of your ass, IIS is a webserver ASP are the pages hosted on IIS, you can code in any .NET language when using ASP.NET which includes javascript, c#, etc.

Amen

 

[HamSupLo]

ok, my webhost supports Coldfusion. I guess my choices come down to ASP or Coldfusion. No support for PHP or Perl unless I fork over some more $$$. there's also a CGI-bin directory. what do i do with that? excuse my newbiness.

 

[royaldank]

Cold Fusion is really easy to learn and is quite a bit less code than ASP. I would suggest looking up some tutorials on Cold Fusion and getting it to talk to your database. You can probably get some cut and paste code to get it working and to show you how it's done. To be honest, I had a project recently where I had to use CF to create a database for a realtor listings page. I had to have an upload script for the house pics, a description field, and a few other things. In less than 3 hours, I was finished using Cold Fusion, and I'd never seen it before. It's a great Database language. Wen you see how it easy it is to work with database files, you'll probably smile at the simplicity.