Forum Moderators: coopster
the path of least resistance for me would be to just use the template to update the site once with the includes for the left menu and header...
For some reason, my friend doesn't want the header and menu on each page of the site anymore... he thinks it's redundant...
My question, is it possible to build a site using php includes that would work similar to frames...
what I can't work out is how I would get the different pages to pull up in the target area... using frames I would "target" the space for the link...
Is this possible/or maybe too difficult for a php dummy like me?
There are so many options to explore out there.
The "flavour of the month" at the moment seem to be iframes. Don't know much about them personally but might be worth some further research your side.
HTH.
<?
include("header.html");
include("leftnav.html");
?>html content here...
<? include("footer.html");?>
Just divide up your HTML and separate them into separate files.
Welcome to WebmasterWorld, scorptiger!
By no means do I consider myself a senior member and welcoming is not a privilege left to the senior members, but to all that participate. I know this because I used to feel the same until I was tenderly steered differently by the ever-so-kind moderator. I'll try to do the same. By all means, please extend courtesy when the opportunity presents itself! BTW, good to hear from you again, jackson :)
And once again, welcome, scorptiger!
Maybe take a look through this thread there may be a few tips in there for you.
A dynamic site in 2 minutes [webmasterworld.com]
Is this possible/or maybe too difficult for a php dummy like me?If it's true that you're a "dummy," then you're right and it's time to give up; however, since you were smart enough to find your way here and ask, my guess is that while you may be a newbie, you're not a dummy.
So, if you're still reading (which would be another positive sign), I would recommend reading some php tutorials. A good jumping off point might be [php.net ]. Besides the manual there, which is very usefull, the links page has some good links, some of which lead to sites with more good links.
In reguards to the site in question, there are a few things I would suggest. To start with, break your pages into their component parts: header, nav bar, content, footer, etc. Once that is done, it should be easy to design either one (or maybe a few) master template(s) which can discibe every page on your site. Sometimes you may want to break up a part of a template into sub-template. As long as you don't go overboard with it, by breaking pages up into a master template which reffers to sub-templates will divide thing into managable chuncks.
Until this point everything could be done in an abstract fassion (even with just pencil and paper), but at some piont you will either need to choose a template engine (I like patTemplate [php-tools.de], but I know Smarty is popular), or use includes.
As far as what do about your links, you can start with something simple like building a get string(
reviews.php?show=startrek&series=Ent&season=3&ep=14reviews/startrek/Ent/3x14In terms of where to store your content and other template fillers, if you're talking about a large number of pieces of data, go with a rdb (mysql is a very good choice). If, on the other hand, you just have only a few pieces, then either a flat file for small stuff or seperate files for big stuff can sometimes be easier to handle than a rdb.
If you (or anybody else, for that mater) needs anything broken down into smaller chuncks, or if I missed some important points, let me know and either myself or someone else will be happy to help.
And once again, welcome to WebmasterWorld, the best one-stop shopping site for webmaser related information.
