mySQL database stuff

[Sarah Atkinson]

OK I'm looking to get into database drive stuff. my provider offers 50 mg mySQL database. to use this what do I need? do I need to buy anything thing from mySQL? or just something to interface with it. I was thinking ColdFusion MX. We use Dreamweaver MX and Flash MX.

Also to then add an e-commerce thing...(way down the road) would I just need shoping cart software, secure cert, and credit card handler? IN short once I do get a database driven siteup would it be easy to add an e-comerce site at a later date or when that is decided would I just have to start building it all over?

[JamesR]

Never done the database thing but I would check out some of the packages at westhost.com . Looks like they have some options to get you up and running pretty quick.

[griz_fan]

You don't need any special software to hook up your web pages to a MySQL database, you can do it with good ol' notepad, if you know your way arround. If you're running windows, I'd recomend installing MySQL on your computer to spend some time with it. Typically, you'll use PHP to work with the MySQL data, though you could use ASP, JSP, CFM, etc... What web server does your host use? If it is Apache, I'd recomend installing an Apache/PHP/MySQL kit for windows. I've used foxserv for quite some time to develop PHP/MySQL stuff on my own PC before moving it to my Linux host. Works great.
Also, since you have Dreamweaver MX, you should be covered from an editing perspective. If memory serves, the MX version of dreamweaver does PHP and MySQL. But, I'd recomend using Homesite 5, which comes with Dreamweaver MX. Head over to www.wilk4.com/asp4hs/php4hs.htm Here, you will find a bunch of plugins for Homesite, including some very useful PHP and MySQL tool bars as well as PHP and MySQL help files that integrate with Homesite. Both the toolbars and help files should go a long ways towards getting you going with MySQL.
When you're ready to add ecommerce, you may want to look for a hosting packages specifically tailored to secure commerce

[edited by: engine at 5:23 pm (utc) on May 23, 2003]
[edit reason] fixed url [/edit]

[aaronjf]

griz_fan

DW MX supports Coldfusion, PHP, ASP, and JSP development. When they made DW MX they fused DW and DW Ultradeveloper.

Sarah_Atkinson,

If you get into PHP and use DW MX, you will need a patch as DW MX has a flaw in one of its governing .js files that causes a really annoying and debilitating error. If you do, sticky mail me and I will send you the link to the patch.

As for the ecomm. You can add it later with not much of a problem. You don't neccessarily need a cert. You will need a Merchant ID, and Gateway (like Verisign or Authorize.net), unless you use a Paypal cart (something like 0.30 per trans and no need for a M ID or a Gateway). I used Paypal on a number of sites and it worked just fine.

Don't worry about the shopping cart to much. Most have gotten so simple to use picking one out has become more of a pain than implementing.

[dvduval]

Sarah,

Many hosts offer phpMyAdmin as part of the package. phpMyAdmin is a graphic interface that allows you to view and manipulate your database. If you are new to working with mySQL, having phpMySQL preinstalled would be a real plus.

Concerning ecommerce, you might consider something that is pre-built like MIVA or osCommerce before you try to write it on your own.