Archive for June, 2011

Php – A First Look

PHP: Hypertext Processor is a server-side web programming language that blends seamlessly with HTML. PHP can run on both Unix and Windows servers, which makes it more accessible than its Windows counterpart, Active Server Pages (ASP). Most full-service web design firms will have at least one PHP guru.

PHP uses are widespread, and can include any kind of server functionality that takes user’s input and displays or manipulates the input. Some pertinent examples of such work are message boards, auction sites, shopping carts, and more. This synopsis is meant to serve only as a gateway to other works; although the main goal is to give a reader enough information so they can make educated decisions about what their web developer should do. For those looking to get into PHP, there are many free tutorials and primers out there:

http://www.4webhelp.net/tutorials/php/basics.php, is a pertinent example
PHP generally uses the mySQL database system. MySQL is a server-side system that is included on many Unix, and some Windows servers.

Once a user knows the basics of PHP and its capacities, he can work with plenty of open-source scripts. Without having to actually build a script from scratch, one can get a fully functional website with a custom design (assuming the designer has HTML/graphics knowledge). Two of the most popular open-source (free) scripts for PHP/mySQL are PHPBB and osCommerce. PHPBB is forum software that is fairly common. It has all the main features of a message board and can have mods (modules) added for more features. OsCommerce is a shopping cart script that has support for many payment gateways, including some free ones like Paypal. The great thing about scripts like these is that they have a full community of developers – both beginners and professionals – that are there to help with installation and modification.

However, if a user doesn’t feel that he’s ready to take the plunge and work with PHP code, most web design firms are more than willing to work with open-source scripts. Others even have their own pre-made, or can work from scratch for an upgraded fee. Sometimes, an open source script simply won’t suffice because a user needs something tailored to his needs. Larger-scale online business and e-treps require capabilities that may be out of the reach of osCommerce.

To conclude, PHP is a server-side scripting language that offers widespread capabilities for web developers looking to interact with their viewers. It may take years to master a technology like this, but there are plenty of great deals out there for pre-made scripts or from-scratch technologies. This story served as an introduction to PHP, later articles will go into further detail.

PHP

The recent boom in field of Information Technology has seen a steep rise in the demand of trained professionals in PHP and MySQL. Software companies specializing in php mysql web development are always searching for skilled professionals for recruitment in several important projects. The current supply of PHP experts is much below par, in terms of potential growth in the industry.

To train the educated work force in this regard various MySQL and PHP training courses have been developed. These courses provide elaborate training to the professionals for developing website with the usage of these languages.

PHP Training Objectives

Two main objectives of php and mysql web development program are:

• To develop skills to create interactive and data-driven sites

• Skill development for database creation in MySQL programming

Prerequisites For Training

The most important criteria for acquiring PHP training is thorough knowledge of HTML. The course should focus on any level in programming for teaching database creation.

On the other hand there are courses for fresher in the field of php and mysql web development. Some institutes like Indus Net Academy, has launched ACE Web Developer course with the aim of teaching real applications in PHP and MySQL. These courses are beneficial for creating awareness among candidates about programming language.

Course Details

Once you get enrolled into these training courses you can acquire knowledge in areas like PHP Programming Fundamentals, Strings Functions, Arrays Functions, HTML/CSS and Forms, File Handling and Email Handling in PHP, Object Oriented PHP and Session Handling etc. On the other hand, the ACE Web Developer course emphasizes on other programming languages such as MySQL Basics, Extended PHP, OOPS in PHP 5, Exception handling in PHP 5, XML / SOAP etc.

Another vital aspect of these php mysql development courses are; 70% hands-on and 30% lecture ratio, as far as the training part of the course are concerned. By engaging the students in live projects the courses ensure that the students have a thorough understanding of the actual application of such programming languages.

So if you have some knowledge about HTML, then you can get online training as well as work as a freelancer for php mysql web development. Some of the requirements essential for learning this programming language are:

• A personal computer at home
• Linux, Windows, MacOS X, or Solaris operating system
• Web server (either Apache httpd or Microsoft IIS)
• PHP 5 or later with the PEAR extensions enabled
• MySQL 4.1 or later (5 or later recommended)
• Internet Explorer 6 or Firefox 2

PHP programmers can now get quality work through the Internet from the freelancing websites. It is an open source language and is free to install and use. This is the main reason for the increase in the popularity of this language.

4 Great Reasons to Love On-Line Shopping

More and more people are shopping on-line today than ever before, especially with the holidays just around the corner. We’re looking for gifts for our kids, gifts for our family, and gifts for our friends. But is shopping on-line safe? Is our information secure? Is it convenient? For as many of those who are on-line shoppers (and I am a big on-line shopper myself), there are just as many, or more, who don’t or won’t shop on-line. They cite various reasons for their reluctance. Believe me, it can be scary to try new things. So, I have considered the reasons for their fear and apathy and have come up with what I believe are great reasons you gotta love on-line shopping.

1. Security Issues

Many people are worried about putting their personal information out into “cyberspace”. Personally, I feel safer on-line. Identity theft actually occurs more in the malls and department stores than on-line according to a recent report on CNN. They report that there are far more opportunities available in a mall.

The truth of the matter is that through the process of encryption, the internet is actually a safe place to shop. Encryption is like coding. The only one who knows what is being coded is the one with the key. Secure socket layers, or SSL, is the protocol that most browsers and web servers use to protect our personal information while it is being transmitted. Keys are created with each transaction and then discarded, with each new transaction producing a new, unique key. There are so many combinations possible with 128-bit, for example, that is has been likened to trying to find one particular grain of sand in the Sahara Desert. You can tell that you are using encryption when you see the padlock symbol on the toolbar. And you should see an “s” appear after the http in the address window.

2. Save Money

These days it is a lot easier to save money on the internet. Shipping and handling can get pretty pricey. However, today many of the stores you can shop at on-line are offering some great shipping deals. In some instances, shipping and handling are waived entirely, if you spend a certain amount of money. Many of the book clubs and stores are offering a low fee for S&H, too, when you purchase a specific dollar amount. The price of gas alone is well worth the cost of S&H. And, although the price of gas has come down some, it can still get pretty costly as you run from mall to mall in search of the newest, hottest, gotta have item.

3. Convenience

This one is a biggie for myself. Rather than fight the throng of mad shoppers, I can shop in the comfort of my own home and buy, compare, research anything I want. You can find just about anything on-line, too, no matter how obscure. I also love the fact that I don’t have to beat the traffic to get my shopping done. I don’t have to run from store to store to store to try and purchase the items and gifts I know will please everyone on my holiday list. One stop gift shops are perfect in that you can shop for everyone on your list in one place and still get that special something for each person on your list.

4. Comparison Shopping

There are a number of sites on-line where you can comparison shop and get the best deal. The holidays are about giving. That doesn’t mean you should break the bank in order to do so. Look at sites like froogle.com, yahooshopping.com, or pricegrabber.com to buy at the best prices on-line or even in your area.

There you are. No more reasons not to avail yourself of the convenience and safety of shopping on-line. I hope I have been able to help you become more comfortable in cyber space. You should enjoy your holidays and shopping on-line gives you that extra time to spend with family and good friends. Happy Holidays and Great Wishes to all of you and yours!!