Here is what I am looking for and what I am trying to do:
1. What programs do I need to create such a program?
2. How hard is this project going to be? Beginner? Pro?
1. User selects a “keyword” from a list on a drop down menu.
*The first word selected provides the program with which database to use.
Example: User selects “Cat” from the list, the program now knows to use only the cat database from now on.
2. User selects another “keyword” from a list of sub-categories of “Cat.”
*The program is now searching for this word in the “Cat” database but under a different sub-category. The list has been pre-determined and only appears
because the user selected “Cat.”
Example: User selects “Short-Haired” from a list of descriptions of “Cat.”
3. User selects another “keyword” from a list of sub-categories of “Short-Haired”
*The program searches for this word in the “Short-Haired” database.
I know my example is somewhat lacking but it’s the best I can do at this point. Here is an outline of what I am trying to do:
1. Use keywords to pinpoint a database that contains items as closely related to the search words as possible.
2. There will be more than one option for the user’s inputs but I need the program to only display one at the very end.
3. There will be a set number of user inputs.
Any information you guys can throw out would be extremely helpful, I mean absolutely anything. Thanks.
You would use a server side language such as php, in conjunction with a database such as MySQL. Then your database queries would return results depending on the "first" user selection. Then this selection would in turn populate the second selection options with yet another SQL query, so the user can select and narrow down their results.
All similar to how ebay for example, "drills" down a category like Golf>Clubs>Irons>Left Handed>Price....and so forth.
Is this what your talking about?
BTW, this is a pretty advanced "first project" if you've never designed or worked with a database or website before.
I dont know if you are in intrested in lessening your work load, but i suggest a content management system. I use joomla. There are others like drupal, ruby on rails, wordpress. But being your first project and a rather large one at that. I strongly suggest a little assistance.
teedoff, that is very close to what I am looking to do, if not exactly. I think the only difference might be is when the final keyword is searched there will be several items in the database that match the keywords, but I only need one to display at a time.
I realize that this is going to be pretty tough but I can't afford to pay someone to do it for me so I'll figure it out
Any suggestions on where I can get some good tutorials on php and MySQL?
teedoff, that is very close to what I am looking to do, if not exactly. I think the only difference might be is when the final keyword is searched there will be several items in the database that match the keywords, but I only need one to display at a time.
I realize that this is going to be pretty tough but I can't afford to pay someone to do it for me so I'll figure it out
Any suggestions on where I can get some good tutorials on php and MySQL?
http://www.w3schools.com is a good start. Also the php website has great tutorials a well as the MySQL website.
If you havent already, download and install WAMP or XAMP(windows) or MAMP for Macs. This will install MySQL database, Apache web server, and PHP server all in one package.
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