How to Build a Database Driven Web Site

If you ever want to create a state directory, article directory, dating site or link directory, you need to know about creating database driven web sites. This may seem like a daunting task at first, if you have never done it, however I was in the same boat as you. It is not as difficult as you think.

Benefits of building database driven web sites

-Store vast amounts of information about your products or services.

-Efficient data sorting and retrieval

-Complex queries and statistical analysis performed relatively easily

-Separate site design from site's content

-Create new pages on the fly without manually creating or editing new web pages

-Makes it easy for client to post content, update records without the need to know html or rely on a web developer.

-Advanced search capabilities

-Attract repeat visitors with fresh and constantly updated content.

-Update site information online without the need to upload web pages.

-Site maintenance greatly reduced.

-Enhance web interactivity

Requirements

MySQL - to retrieve information from a database, you first need to have a database. That's where MySQL comes in. MySQL is a relational database management system, or RDBMS. It's a software package that is very good at organizing and managing large amounts of information. MySQL also makes that information readily accessible by using a server-side scripting language like PHP.

PHP - this is a server-side scripting language. With PHP installed, your Web server will be able to read a new file (called a "PHP script") that can retrieve information instantly from a database and insert it into a web page before sending it to the browser that requested it. PHP is completely free to download and use.

Check with your current Web host. Make sure they have already installed MySQL and PHP on your Web server. Most web hosting companies already have it installed. If not find a web host that provides this service.

Steps to building a database driven web site:

You will be building a link directory site using a mySQL database and the WSN Links Script (a PHP script). Here's an example of the "Colorado Business Directory Site" that was built, based on following the 7 steps below:

http://www.hereiscolorado.com

1. Check that your web host has PHP 4.10+ (or PHP 5) and MySQL 3+ installed on the server.

2. To create the mySQL database on the web server:

-login to the cpanel of your server ie domainname/cpanel with your user name and password.
-click on 'MySQL Databases' icon.
-enter database name
-click 'add db'
-click on 'go back'
-under 'Users' enter user name and password for database
-click 'add user'
-click on 'go back'
-click on 'add user to database'

You should now get the reply that your database installation was successful.

3. Download the PHP script files to your desktop at: WSN links - http://www.isitebuild.com/cgi-bin/a/t.cgi?wsnlinks

4. Extract files from the ZIP folder and save them to a folder on your computer.

5. Upload all the extracted files to your hosting space

6. Set the correct permissions for your files.

7. To complete the installation and to customize the script, read the manual at:

http://www.isitebuild.com/cgi-bin/a/t.cgi?wsnlinks

You can continue to customize or edit your site online by accessing the admin panel within your web site.

Adding, sorting, retrieving, searching data, creating new pages, links etc can now easily be accomplished.

Congratulations!... you successfully have built yourself a database driven web site.

Herman Drost is the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) owner and author of http://www.iSiteBuild.com Affordable Web Site Design and Web Hosting. Subscribe to his "Marketing Tips" newsletter for more original articles. subscribe@isitebuild.com. You can read more of his in-depth articles at: http://www.isitebuild.com/articles

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Ten Ways NOT to Set Up a Website-based Service Business

1. As the first step, "Hire a web designer."First create... Read More

Let Marketing Manage Your Website Content

The definition of the phrase "Content Management" depends on what... Read More

Seven Daft Things Not To Do To Your Website

1. Splash pagesMost of the time splash pages are uncalled... Read More

Websites for Writers ? Why You Need One and How to Get Started Today

It may seem like the publishing industry's equivalent of Beanie... Read More

Five Essential Questions to Answer Before Creating Your First (or second...or third) Website

Right after the thought, "I need a website," people usually... Read More

What Works and What not Works for Your Internet Business

"Build it and they will come."--Filed of Dreams (1989) If... Read More

Tips for Building a Great Business Website

A website is lifeline of internet home business. In order... Read More

If Its Done Its Done for: Make Your Website Part of Your Business before You Build

Web sites are an Ongoing Part of Business.All too many... Read More

Free Webmaster Tools - 7 Things Every Webmaster Needs in Their Toolbox

Webmaster tools are vital to becoming both efficient and effective... Read More

The Problem with Automated Accessibility Testing Tools

An automated accessibility tool is a piece of software which... Read More

Why Every Small Business Owner Needs Two Websites

Every small business owner knows that they need a website,... Read More

Cost Effective and Powerful Dynamic Websites w. Fantastico Web Hosting

If you are developing your website on a host that... Read More

The Road to Better Results

A lot has changed in the way sites are optimized... Read More

Preventing Repeat Form Submission Using PHP Sessions

We've all seen those messages on some websites warning not... Read More

Entangled in the World Wide Web

I am just a learner who likes to delve in... Read More

1 Simple Solution to All Internet Marketers about Their Website Design Needs

It is an undeniable fact that not everybody is keen... Read More

Server Stats ? Analyzing Traffic To Your Site

Analyzing traffic to a site is a key factor in... Read More

17 Tips to Plan a Website

Everyone wants one.Everyone wishes they knew how to make one.SOME... Read More

Get to Know People through Websites

Web sites are not just places to sell things; they... Read More

Web Accessibility: The Basics

What is web accessibility & why is it important?Web accessibility... Read More

How to Maximize the Value of Every Visitor to Your Website

While most marketers are beginning to understand the critical importance... Read More

Web Site Development Process - The Life-cycle Steps

A system development process can follow a number of standard... Read More

Building Websites with Directory Generator

Directory Generator, a product from Armand Morin and Marc Quarles,... Read More

A Web Site for Your Small Business: How to Set Up a Website

Your web site will be your window to the world.... Read More

Why Do I Need A Web Site?

Even though the Internet has been around for a long... Read More

7 Golden Rules For Building Mini Sites

First, an eye opener. Making your fortune through affiliate programs... Read More

Streamline your Business Website with a Content Management System

I talk with so many people who have small businesses... Read More

Setting Up A CGI Script On Your Web Site

Before you set up any scripts you will need some... Read More

Developing A Login System With PHP And MySQL

Most interactive websites nowadays would require a user to log... Read More

HTML Editors - How to Choose the Right One for Building Your Websites

There are lots of HTML editors on the market, however,... Read More

Benefits Of Making Your Website Accessible To Disabled Users ? Part 2: The Business Case

The Disability Discrimination Act states that service providers must not... Read More

3 Essential Tools Every Website Designer and Marketer Needs

Appealing to others is really important when you have a... Read More

Marketing Your Business Online

As a business you can't afford to ignore the Internet... Read More