How can a dummy get started with APACHE, PHP and MySQL?

Hi from the new guy!

I have downloaded a package from another website a few months ago that included APACHE, PHP and MySQL. I followed the instructions for installing them on my PC and used their test file to see if it was all working.

Yes it is (I think). The reason I downloaded the above is that I wanted to learn PHP and MySQL so that I can program a database driven site. Obviously. I downloaded APACHE so that I could test any scripts and whatnot on my own PC (I haven't got the option of using a remote server...). APACHE because I'm on WinMe which doesn't come with a PWS.

I have just bought "PHP & MySQL for DUMMIES", and boy do I feel like a dummy. Even this book doesn't seem to be comprehensive enough. I don't think the author meant for the reader to set up everything himself and so glosses over the most important parts - getting started from scratch.

Specifically, it starts with 2 test files. The first one is to test whether PHP is installed and working, and the second one is to see whether I can access MySQL via PHP.

The question is,

.

The files are both .php files. I have made the assumption that go in the following directory:-



I have pointed a browser at them and they don't want to know.

I'm sure that being a complete newbie to PHP and MySQL (and APACHE), that I have done something wrong. I am equally sure that I have left out some vital information in which you could use to help you help me.

Please could you give me some ideas on how to get around this first hurdle.

Yours sincerely,

A TOTAL BEGINNER trying not to give up at the very first hurdle...

The files have to go in Apaches document root, then you request them from Apache by typing localhost/filename.php in the address bar of your browser. If you aren't sure what Apache's document root is, look in the httpd.conf file for the

DocumentRoot

directive.

Since you're under Win I have a simpler solution. Just download and install BadBlue(.com?) which is a lightweight www server (file sharing throught www in fact) and you can set up PHP with it (instructions on the site). Mysql is a real joke to install, just extract and launch mysqld.

And you're ready to go!

Thank you Rod K, I think that I have got it working now, well PHP anyway. I think that I am going to have some trouble with MySQL. I know that it is running but I haven't got a front end?

I'm looking into it now...

Riv, thanks for the information I might have to use it if I can't get this sorted within a day or so...

Best Regards,
TotalBeginner.

You could download MyCC(ver0.8.4) from http://www.mysql.com/downloads/gui-mycc.html or MySQL Front . AFAIK MySQL Front development has been discontinued, but you can still find it on some site...try your luck on Google. Both are possibly the best GUIs for MySQL. I prefer MyCC.

IMHO stick to the MSDOS command prompt until you get familiar with the commands. Further, please download the manuals for PHP and MySQL. They are available in CHM, HLP and PDF formats.

hth
theN