Understanding PHP Data Types
Variables can store data of different types, and different types of data can do different things. For example, you can add variables whose values are numbers [more…]
Building SQL Queries
SQL is almost English; it's made up largely of English words, put together into strings of words that sound similar to English sentences. In general (fortunately), you don't need to understand any arcane [more…]
Troubleshooting a PHP Script
You just can't write scripts without making certain mistakes. The trick is to train yourself to recognize them, roll your eyes, say, "Not again," and just fix them. One error message that you'll see many [more…]
Setting Up Your Computer for PHP and MySQL Web Site Development
To use your local computer to develop your Web site, you must install a Web server, PHP, and MySQL. PHP and MySQL are free to download and use. [more…]
Considering the Various Uses for the PHP Scripting Language
PHP is a general-purpose language that can be used to write general-purpose scripts. Scripts are computer files containing instructions in the PHP language that tell the computer to do things, such as [more…]
Keeping Up with PHP and MySQL Changes
PHP and MySQL are open source software. If you've used only software from major software publishers — such as Microsoft, Corel, or Adobe — you'll find that open source software is an entirely different [more…]
Use PHP Statements to Create Programs
PHP programs are a series of PHP statements, executed one at a time. Here’s a list of the PHP statements (with syntax) that you use when writing PHP programs: [more…]
Communicate with a Database through PHP MySQL Functions
PHP communicates with MySQL databases by using a set of functions developed specifically for this purpose. This list shows the syntax of these frequently used functions. [more…]
Access and Adapt a Database with MySQL Queries
PHP communicates with MySQL databases by sending SQL queries. Here’s a list of SQL queries, with their syntax, that you can use to access, view, and alter the database: [more…]
Knowing the MySQL WHERE Clause Format
The WHERE clause is used to modify a DELETE, SELECT, or UPDATE SQLquery. This list shows the format you can use when writing a WHERE clause: [more…]
Make MySQL Database Changes with the ALTER Query
The ALTER query is used to change the structure of a MySQL database. This list shows the syntax for the changes you are most likely to want to make: [more…]
Special Characters to Use in PHP Expression Test Patterns
Regular PHP expressions use patterns to test whether the input users submit when using online forms are in the correct format. This table shows characters you can use in patterns. [more…]
PHP & MySQL For Dummies Cheat Sheet
When writing PHP programs to create your Web database application and communicate with a MySQL database, you have many things to remember. You must spell code correctly and use perfect syntax. This Cheat [more…]
