I know little web programming. Do you think I can learn enough to build this site?

[maxedison]

Although I know little web programming (basic HTML and CSS), I have a pretty good knack for picking it up. I am planning on building a web site, however, and would like to do it on my own. What I need to know is how feasible this is.

My site will basically be a polling web site. People will need to register so that they don't end up taking the same poll more than once. They will be able to submit their own polls, so I need them to be able to add to my database as well as retrieve info from it. From what I can tell, these are the things I will need to learn:

-Javascript & Ajax
-PHP or Ruby on Rails
-XML
-MySql

Let me know if I'm missing something in the above list.

So how feasible is this for me to learn? Am I totally insane? What are the main problems I need to be aware of as an amateur?

Thanks!

[rafiki]

Javascript/Ajax
PHP/MySQL
(X)HTML/CSS
That should be all you need. Obviously it wont be that simple but learn some of that and if you come across errors that you need help fixing come back to the forums and post a thread.
Hope this helps.
Rafiki

[maxedison]

Thanks for the quick reply rafiki.

So do you recommend I use PHP over Ruby? I really don't know very well what either one is. Please don't feel like you have to explain them to me. Just a quick recommendation and brief reason would be fine.

Also, do you have any recommendations on books for a complete beginner that cover any of these programming issues?

Thanks again.

[rafiki]

PHP simply because as far as I know its supported on more host's and the support is endless.
Ruby on rails isn't very popular atleast on this forum, www.php.net/ is the homepage of PHP and has a manual for every function available, just type www.php.net/function.name
for example. www.php.net/function.header - www.php.net/function.mail - www.php.net/function.explode

[maxedison]

I had read that PHP's documentation and support community were far more extensive. That's obviously pretty critical for someone in my position. Thanks again rafiki.

[gnomeontherun]

I also recommend PHP. Its pretty much the standard language currently, Ruby is still a bit of a "new" comer to the stage. Its not that new, but its only been getting a lot of press lately from what I've seen.

It is feasible to learn, given that you work at it and are serious about it. Once you start to get into things like registration and site security (you really don't want someone to be able to farm out your member list), it takes a certain level of skill to protect against that. I recommend buying a good sized book on PHP, which will most likely cover enough SQL.

I disagree with rafiki on the AJAX/Javascript as a requirement. Sure, it would be great if you can learn that as well, but I think you should start with HTML/CSS and PHP/MySQL. AJAX would only give you some neat visual and functional things to enhance the visitors experience.

So I would say know your code in this order:
1) HTML/CSS - If you already are familiar with this, no need to get a book
2) PHP/MySQL - Get a book, that discusses version 5
3) Javascript/AJAX - You might need a book on this too, I would.

Just be realistic about everything. There are also scripts already written on the web, and I'm sure that some of them already so similar things. Maybe doing some searching for Polling Scripts PHP would helpful too.

[rafiki]

I disagree with rafiki on the AJAX/Javascript as a requirement.
I didn't mean for it to be a necessity, just to add some nice login functionality etc..
(X)HTML/CSS
PHP/MySQL would be a must.

[maxedison]

Jeremy,

Thanks for the response. In regards to site security, would this be achieved (or botched!) through the quality of my PHP coding?

Also, do you have any recommendations on PHP books?

[maxedison]

I didn't mean for it to be a necessity, just to add some nice login functionality etc..
(X)HTML/CSS
PHP/MySQL would be a must.


Right, and I was the one who initially listed Javascript and Ajax as something I would want to learn. But I'll be sure to attack PHP/MySQL first, since that's obviously the more fundamental part.

[gnomeontherun]

PHP is the language by which your security will be managed, as well as some server settings and things like that.

http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-PHP-MySQL-Novice-Professional/dp/1590598628/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214238960&sr=8-3

This is a newer version of a book I used a while back. I would suggest looking a little bit around for reviews, but assuming you understand a little bit of the programming mindset you should be good with a book like this.

Sorry rafiki, didn't mean to make it sound like I was accusing you of anything, sometimes my word choices are poorly chosen!

[maxedison]

Thanks for the book recommendation, and all the other help in general. It's really appreciated!

[Len Whistler]

I recommend this book. Over 100 good reviews on Amazon, more than any other PHP/MySQL book


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/218c4kzUJHL._SL500_BO2,204,203,200_PIlitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA198_SH20_.jpg


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/032152599X?&camp=212361&creative=383957&linkCode=waf&tag=camera_rov-20





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[Len Whistler]

Here is a good PHP/MySQL login script tutorial for your project.

http://www.phpeasystep.com/workshopview.php?id=6



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