Need help choosing a method of approach.

I have a problem, and I was wondering if someone here could help me decide upon the best way to go about reaching a solution. I'd preferably like to use PHP/MySQL as they are what I'm currently trying to teach myself, but I'm open to other suggestions as well.

The problem: I need to create and store a large database of information and be able to display that information, upon request, in various forms.

For example, I want to allow a user to choose which layout s/he wishes to use to view the given information (primarily alphabetically or categorically). This information needs to be displayed in tables, and different sections of the database will need to be accessed from diferent pages of the web site.

Hopefully I haven't lost anyone by this point.

What I intend to try to do to solve this problem is create a mySQL database containing the information and use PHP to update the display as per user request (probably via a drop-down menu with "alphabetical" and "categorical" options). What I need to know before I undertake the task of researching a solution is the following:

Is what I'm trying to attempt going to be possible given my proposed solution?
Is PHP/mySQL the best solution? (Given cost restraints, ease of use, and the fact that I will be working on a remote server.)
Are there any tools to use to make this task easier and more time-efficient? (I don't have a given dead-line, but I'd like to accomplish the task as quickly as possible.)
What are some good references and resources to use that will help me with this task? (I am proficient with HTML and CSS, but only a newbie with PHP and mySQL; I am looking for resources online because I am legally blind and I cannot read books without painstaking use of a magnifying glass.)

I know this is a lot to ask, but if anyone could help answer a few of these questions for me, I would be immensely grateful. Thanks!

There are plenty of different application languages that can accomplish this. But, PHP/MySQL is by far a superior choice, not just because of the cost, but becuase of the superior speed and good processing power PHP provides.



This is cake work for PHP/MySQL



Not me....



Absolutely....



Absolutely.... -> But not because of the cost restraints, because what I mentioned in my first respone above...



Go to the PHP forum and read the FAQ sticky.
FYI -> Our community boasts the largest PHP support forums available.



As said above, we have the largest support community available. So, your number one resource is hands downs the PHP forum. Also, the main DevShed site has a bunch of proffesionally developed tutorials that will get you up and running in no time.



Anymore Questions?

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Good luck..... Hope my answers helped you....

No questions, you answered everything thoroughly. Thank you, and I'll take a look at the PHP forums and some more in-depth looks into the tutorials on the site.