Forms problem..

[The Ocarina]

My question.. I know HTML pretty well and I'm getting into Javascript (barely), but I don't entirely understand forms.. How do I make such fields as registrations, and afterwards, log-ins? I believe cookies have something to do with this, but heck, I know even less about them.. I don't know what languages (if any other) or what I need to know or have in order to allow someone to type registration information and let them log-in afterwards, also preferably make a log of how many different registrations there are. Along with this, how could I have someone type information into a field, submit it, and then have the information show up on the site for others to see.. Almost like a forum or chat..

I wouldn't mind if someone linked me to a site or gave me a recommendation for a book that would answer my questions..

[Coastal Web]

My question.. I know HTML pretty well and I'm getting into Javascript (barely), but I don't entirely understand forms.. How do I make such fields as registrations, and afterwards, log-ins? I believe cookies have something to do with this, but heck, I know even less about them.. I don't know what languages (if any other) or what I need to know or have in order to allow someone to type registration information and let them log-in afterwards,


You could go several different ways, but a javascript/html combo wouldn't be able to do the trick.
You see these are both client side (meaning they happen on the clients computer...) you'd need something that is *server side*.. (meaning it happens on the server before it's sent to the user's computer)...

The easiest to learn and use would be: PHP (http://www.php.net/).


also preferably make a log of how many different registrations there are.


Well, if it's going to be a small site you *could* get away with logging this information into a non-public .txt file with the PHP, but the way this *should* be done is by using an SQL (xxx) database, and using php's built in mySql commands to communicate with your sql database.

Though l'm sure everyone around here will tell you that this too is as easy as pie, but l'm sure most of the people that will tell you that, have been working with it for years. The fact is l've been doing it for years, and still to this day find myself posting questions everyday when l get stumped...

comes with the turf...


Along with this, how could I have someone type information into a field, submit it, and then have the information show up on the site for others to see.. Almost like a forum or chat..


Same thing as above, they submit the form through php, and then the php will slam it into your sql database, or into a text file....


I wouldn't mind if someone linked me to a site or gave me a recommendation for a book that would answer my questions..

http://www.php.net
http://www.mysql.com/

Books:
To get you started here is a small 15.00 book that's to the point and easily navigated. This book doesn't try to teach you EVERYTHING, but gets you started with the important things, or building blocks of php, if you will:

PHP for the World Wide Web : Visual QuickStart Guide (2nd Edition) (Visual Quickstart Guides):
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0321245652/qid=1118969499/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-0954826-5762307?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Then you'll want the bible, which will make a good desktop reference, this one is a bit more expensive, but is well worth it, if you're serious
php 5 and mysql bible:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764557467/qid=1118969400/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-0954826-5762307

If you're honestly ready to take the next step, and create some truly dynamic and interesting websites PHP is the way to go...

Good luck! :D

Samantha Gram

[The Ocarina]

Thank you very much, Samantha! This is just the information I needed. :D I'll definitely be dropping by if I have any other questions later, but hopefully, this covers everything.

Thanks again!