Interested in starting out...

[Trilobite]

I've had various ideas for a pet site, but I have no idea where to begin really. I don't know how it's done, I don't know what I have to learn, if it will cost me money... Or even if I'll need a few helping hands to keep everything running smoothly if I do get started up.

Can anyone offer me any advice on what I need to start out? I'm a complete newbie and know no programming languages, and only the absolute basics of HTML. But even knowing which I need to learn will be a huge help.

[juddster]

I would suggest that you learn PHP and SQL before paying money to set up your site on a .com address and stuff. I know that I have a few scripts that could make your life easier.

I suggest you download and install xampp on your computer therefore allowing you to view your progress as you work without having to worry about anything (money or space related).

Feel free to message me on msn at juddsite@gmail.com

~juddster

[revopets]

http://www.sobapets.com/myvps/

Check out MySobaVPG for EVERYTHING you need to start up your very own pet site!

http://www.sobapets.com/myvps/

[juddster]

except some people like doing things on their own...I never get premade stuff because I would rather be satisfied making it myself than use what others have

[cpvr]

Well, I wouldn't recommend starting with anyone's software... It's best to learn yourself. First things first, you need to learn PHP, and mySQL (used for databases, and everything else). If you don't know HTML, then you need to learn that as well...

Pet sites are run on PHP and powered by mySQL databases. I believe if you put the time in and dedication, then you'll be alright in starting out.. Everyone starts somewhere.

[Trilobite]

Thanks for the info, I've been brushing up on HTML and have installed PHP and mySQL stuff... just to see what it's like. But I don't know how to use them yet. Too confusing... I found an excellent tutorial on PHP but I can't test what I've learned because I can't find any info how to use it.

Anybody know how I use them? I think there is a mySQL manual and I think I'll be ok with that, it's the PHP thingy that confuses me.

[juddster]

Why would you install each separately because you will also need to install a web server. If you use the xampp package you have all that already set up for you, OR you could go for a free account instead of running it off of your local computer like www.5gbfree.com for instance.

~juddster

[Trilobite]

So... I'm confused. :/ What's a free account? I mean... what do I need for the second option?

Is it fairly easy to get used to this xampp?

[juddster]

It is very easy to get used to xampp...basically you install that package (only apache webserver and mysql databases are required for what you are doing). And then be able to view it like a website by typing localhost into your webbrowser. A free account is when you set up your site on someone else's server for free. It's for if you don't want to install programs like xampp on your computer. If you need help 'getting used to xampp' feel free to message me on msn (juddsite@gmail.com).

~juddster

[Trilobite]

Ok, thanks a lot. I'll see how xampp works for me. I might end up getting a free account somewhere (I did that when I made a website and only used up a fraction of the space I could have...) if xampp is too demanding on my very low spec computer.

This advice has been beyond value to me, for so long I hadn't the faintest idea where to begin and couldn't find any help anywhere. I know it will still take me a long time to even get anywhere near started seeing as I ought to learn before I begin. But at least now I have some path to take.

Thanks for taking the time to give advice, it's more than appreciated. :)

[MyLilLisa]

oh my gosh. I've never done anything like that. I downloaded this xampp thing and didn't know what to do then I brought the browzer up and put in that local host.

Ok, I'm amazed by little things but that worked. OOh, Neat. Learning something every day.

[cpvr]

How is this coming along, Trilo? Are you still going to be creating your own pet site?