what type of program or software for a newbie of PHP would be best i am

[Christopher]

using godaddy as my hosting? i am using godaddy for hosting linux and i am a newbie at PHP Software or programing so i am trying to figure what is best to use on that platform and maybe wich are best on my laptop also because i wanna make php scripts and if you can let me know if zend and what else i could use for practice on desktop thanks

 

[Zilog32]

Hi Christop...

I don't know what development scenario you have at the moment but may I make a few suggestions that will enable you to use php scripts locally on your PC and/or laptop. This way, you will not have to constantley upload your files to your host as you can develop the WHOLE web site locally. This will require you to install a local server onto both your PC and your laptop. It is simple ans easy to use and above all it's FREE.
First, download WAMP, ( this is Windows Apaches - the sever - MySql and Php ), from;

http://www.wampserver.com/en/

Once installed it will run in the background. You have complete control so you can exit it whenever you want. Briefly, this gives you the Apache server, ( used by 90% of hosting companies in Windows or Linux versions and is part of the Apache open project - google it for more info ), MySQL database and PHP. These all come with full administrative software so for instance you can set up a database and then use this with your php code.

Now, once installed, on your hard drive you will see something like;

c:\wamp\www

This is where you put your web files - such as index.html or now index.php.

Lets say we are designing a web site called thing.com
At c:\wamp\www we create a folder called ' thing '.
So now we have;
c:\wamp\www\thing
Lets now put a file in there and call it index.php
I presume you can write a simple php file so di a very simple one and put it there.

Now in your browser type;

http://localhost/thing/index.php

and you will see your php script running. No need for a host until you're ready for the outside world, so to speak.

There are many free php script sites - of which I contribute to - available and all will offer you much help.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

PS If you add me as a contact I can give you more info such as easy tutorials and also guide you as to the use of WAMP.