Need some help. Please Read!

[Nickriggi]

I'm working on a new website where you can post jobs wanted, and there is a zip code feature on the listing. City, State, and zip code. I was wondering if anyone could help me make a Zip code locator / radius around zip code locator like on this site, http://www.helpwanted.com/


I actually want EXACTLY that. With keyword searching as well. Any help is much appreciated.

[mlseim]

The zipcode thing isn't easy.

You need to either have the database yourself (which is a huge file),
or subscribe to a service that allows you to access their data.

There are two systems that may have different GPS coordinates for the center of the zipcode.
1) USPS (U.S. postal service)
2) US Census Bureau

So, I guess you have to provide us with an idea of how much you're willing to spend on the zipcode database.

Don't just say "free", like Google Maps or Yahoo Maps ... they limit the number of accesses per day, so it's not free.


Here's a free 8.7MB database file if you have the server / webhost requirements that will allow you to use it:
http://federalgovernmentzipcodes.us/



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[Nickriggi]

Okay, so I downloaded the database. And I do have the permissions to use it. So what do I do now? I seriously have no idea on where to start on this.

[mlseim]

The zipcode database will need to be put into a MySQL database.

Now you mentioned that you want a zipcode script EXACTLY like theirs,
but it sort of sounds like you don't know PHP or MySQL.

What is your experience with server-side scripting?

If your answer is "none or very little", I suggest you hire a programmer.
A website that does what they are doing is not a small project.

You never mentioned your web development experience, so I'm just guessing.

This being a forum, is not a good venue for finding someone who will just
provide you with scripts. They have to be written, or copied from somewhere
else, installed, tested, troubleshooting, and that's just the scripts, not the
actual website that will be using them.



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[Nickriggi]

Okay, well. With server-side, I wouldn't say "very little" but on a scale from 1-10 with 10 being alot. I'd say around a 5.

[mlseim]

Well, I'm not sure what to say.

Search Google for some PHP MySQL tutorials, or a script that
sort of does something like you want ... and see how they did it.
Otherwise, work on the website design and partner with someone
on the scripting (programming developmen).

Way too big of a project for me.