Beginners question on database /w javascript

[techjosh]

Hi. I couldn't get help on other forums so I have to ask here. It's simple:

I'm trying to make a javascript read data from a form and input it to a database on the server (then later read data, and edit data.) I'd just like to know where to begin -> what to start learning. From looking at w3schools it looks like I should download "sql server 2000" and microsofts website gave me eight links, with a vague explanation. I'd like to be sure of what I'm doing before wasting weeks learning something. Thx for any help in advance.

Microsofts download site
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=8e2dfc8d-c20e-4446-99a9-b7f0213f8bc5&displaylang=en

[felgall]

The database on the BlueHost server will be either mySQL or PostgreSQL depending on which you choose to use.

The most common language to use to interface with the database is PHP (but you could use Python or Ruby instead).

The JavaScript would need to do XMLHttpRequest requests to the server side code (usually called Ajax) in order to pass information back and forth.

[techjosh]

Thx felgall. I'll get with bluehost to see whats on the server and get started. BTW I noticed your helping ppl on the javascript forums as well. Coolness.

[Early Out]

Thx felgall. I'll get with bluehost to see whats on the server and get started. BTW I noticed your helping ppl on the javascript forums as well. Coolness.
All of the mentioned items are on the server - it's up to you to decide what you want to use.

[mike45]

Hi, I have some knowledge on MS Access few years ago but no longer using it. MySQL & PHP are totally new for me, I am having difficulty to learning it on many sites where I found (including MySQL.com).

Hope can get a first step guide here :

As I am planning to create a site for membership sign-up and record their activity (eg. purchasing) for rewards. I need 2 sets of database -

1 table for <member profile> (incl. fields like "member_ID" as an index key and "Name" "Address" etc) and,
1 table for <activity> (incl. "member_ID" which link to member profile, and other field like "Date_of_Purchase" "Amount" etc).

I have sucessfully created in phpMyAdmin, but how to link up these 2 tables and how to test it or launch it, whatever I can using it to create new record for testing?

Appreciate someone help me!

[mike45]

I have not yet created website here, is it possible to test database without any website up?

[techjosh]

Hi mike45. I've only done web stuff for 2 months so I'm kinda a newb. I'll try to help you tho.

First, for any payment stuff, I strongly suggest using one of paypals scripts. They make it super easy and do all of it for you. You can see a sample of it in a template I made here
techjoshonline.com/templates/bus_e_commerce

Second, for databases, It's my understanding that bluehost has everything pre-installed for you. It's just a matter of 1) setting up your database, 2) learning php, which should do everything you need to connect to the database and make changes while on the web page.

I strongly recommend learning php here
http://www.w3schools.com/php/default.asp

w3schools is good enough that I've been able to learn nearly all my web knowledge from them totally on my own (only had to ask about 3 questions on forums now.)

Hope this helps. I'm just starting to learn php myself, so perhaps we can help each other in the process

[mike45]

Hi techjosh,

I am happy to get your help, although you are newbie as well. I am happy to sharing with you.

I will go through the link you given.

Cheers !

[felgall]

mySQL uses just about the same SQL calls as Access does so if you know how to use SQL in Access then using mySQL will be really easy for you. Just about all databases these days use SQL with only minor differences between them so once you know SQL you can use any database with little effort.

[mike45]

Thanks, felgall,

I only know to use Access in PC but not in website or server. This area is a totally new for me.

W3schools.com was really good for learning in step by step explaining. Thanks to techjosh again :)

I will need to take sometimes to learn it and hope will get you guys for helping whenever required.

Regards