PHP and MySQL locally and a good editor!

[iLLin]

OK when ever I code, I use cuteftp's editor and I upload straight to my test server and use "error at line 31..." for my error checking. Yea I know I own... Anyway can someone point me in the direction of how I can get php and mysql on my desktop without having to install apache? Is it possible? I have to admit I have not searched or researched anything in this area so feel free to bash me :). And an editor that can connect directly through ftp so I dont have to save the file then upload the file to view the results... you know what I mean. I am a very neat coder but the editor I use has no colors like these fancy ones I hear about. What is special about them? Should I even bother to switch? I have heard some even have error checking. But can they connect to ftp?

What is everyone's practice on how you write? What it is that you do and what programs do you use? Do you have a LAMP or something local installed? How hard is it to setup?

Yea I jumped around alot, but thats how I think :p

[aedrin]

I manually installed Apache, PHP, MySQL and PostgreSQL.

For editing, the only thing I use is Eclipse PHP as it is the most complete/stable editor available. Not to mention that it is free. ;)

For FTP I use Smart FTP. There probably is a way of getting Eclipse to modify an FTP directly. But since I test locally, I don't upload files until the end of the day. So I never needed anything quicker.

Tip: Try to have your development environment as close to your production environment as possible. It'll save many headaches. Look at: Settings and Versions.

[iLLin]

Yea thats what I want is to do everything locally I just have no expierence in installing apache and I have never had time to learn. My employer always wants something right now, then come when I have a break, thats what i do "BREAK" :p

Also I would like to get every browser or a program that says "View in IE6" "View in IE7" "View in Safari" View in FireFox" ... etc.

[aedrin]

Also I would like to get every browser

Wouldn't we all. :P

I test in IE6 and FF1.5.

Then if it's really necessary, I'll try IE7 and FF2.

I don't have a Mac so I don't test Safari, and most other things have too little market share for me to spend a day or two on.

I just have no expierence in installing apache

Only one way to get this. And that is to just do it. Look up a good guide. There's quite a few out there.

[iLLin]

Thoughts on this?

http://www.easyphp.org/

[Mhtml]

It's dead easy to do, just follow the manual and jump right in. Like aedrin said, there's only one way to get that experience.

I use PHP Designer from MPSOFTWARE (mpsoftware.dk/phpdesigner.php). Mostly because the syntax highlighter is pretty decent, I like to have an almost negative colour scheme to most people (really dark background with light and bright text) as it's easier on my eyes especially over long periods of time.

As for testing I use the same, I find the IE Tab extension for FF is pretty handy, allows you to load the page in a new tab using IE renderer. I find that if you write clean and semantic code then you honestly shouldn't have too many problems between most browsers anyway.

[iLLin]

I installed apache, php5, mysql5, and then phpmyadmin all separate :D. I now can work on my local PC for the first time in 3 years (ever). Mwahahaha! And I'm checking out eclipse.

[Mhtml]

Good job, make sure you installed all your necessary extensions when you installed PHP - it's a pain when you go to use something (say mysqli) and you hadn't installed it and you have to do it then and there.

[aedrin]

I use PHP Designer from MPSOFTWARE. Mostly because the syntax highlighter is pretty decent, I like to have an almost negative colour scheme to most people (really dark background with light and bright text) as it's easier on my eyes especially over long periods of time.

I do the same. I actually use a more colorful than dark background though.

I've tried most editors before, to see which one did what I needed (and did it without problems) and Eclipse was the best fit for me.

Besides that, since it also does Java I only need 1 editor at work. ;)

And it also looks good on the resume, as it's becoming a popular standard editor.

[JohnDubya]

Something that hasn't been mentioned so far is Xampp. It's a lifesaver...not to mention a time saver. You download it, install it on your local computer, and wah-lah. You've got a local web server with Apache, PHP, MySQL, PHPmyadmin, and lots more!! It's pretty amazing, and sooooooo easy to use.

http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html

Best part is, you don't have to upload files. You just save them to the htdocs folder on your hard drive, and they are ready to be refreshed in your browser. Saves so stinkin much time in development!!

[iLLin]

Yea I almost went with easy php, but I'm like na let me do each one separate so I can learn a little more than double click :p But yea I love save refresh :)

[aedrin]

It actually was mentioned.

Do you have a LAMP

But I didn't go further into it because I don't use it. To me, it's like using Dreamweaver versus a good editor. I'd prefer the editor because I know what's configured and installed. And the time savings aren't that big, as once you figure it out it doesn't take more than a few minutes to install it. (And it's not like you have to reinstall every month.)

But it's similar to the whole Windows versus Linux debate. It's whichever you prefer.

Best part is, you don't have to upload files.

That's with or without using any prefrabricated installation set.

[ptmuldoon]

Little late to show, but I use WAMP. Think there one of the easiest to install and use.

[Mhtml]

I have WAMP and LAMP. I do my editing on my windows laptop, but my files are stored and served from my networked nix box. Unless of course I happen to be away from home in which case I take my current project with me on my lappy and use WAMP. No particular reason for this really I guess, I just use my nix box as NAS really so figured may as well use it for serving my development stuff too.... I do prefer to do all my coding and content creation on windows though.

[david_kw]

I use vim for my editing. I like being able to use the same editor on any linux box I happen to telnet to even if the functionality changes slightly. gvim is pretty nice for windows.

david_kw