Internet Programming
This class is a sequel to the Web Page Design class. We will delve more deeply into Dreamweaver and look at its visual programming capabilities. We will learn the basics of MySQL database construction as well as beginning PHP scripting. We will also create Internet forms and use a free PHP script to process them. Finally, we will configure phpBB, an Open Source threaded discussion program, on our servers.
Please check this page frequently to get homework, handouts, and announcements. You may also ask questions at a special Questions page.
This class runs during the WED session, and is 8 consecutive Saturdays.
Class One: Oct, 22 2005
In class we talk about dynamic versus static Web pages. We discuss the different kinds of Web applications you can make with PHP/MySQL. We looked at a simple CMS (Content Management System), threaded discussion bulletin board (phpBB), and form based contact page. We learned to create forms in Dreamweaver MX 2004.
Homework
- Read the class text: pages 104-114
- Read the handouts
- Register at Trinity Talk and post a message about what you expect to learn in this class
- Send me an email from the form on my Web site. Enter your email and major in the form.
- Buy your book and a jump drive or blank CDs.
Class Two
We will practice creating SQL statements at www.sqlcourse.com. We will create a simple flat file database with MySQL with the GUI program phpMyAdmin. We will learn about Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and how we normalize a database.
We will also import the newland_tours.sql file into phpMyAdmin and exam this database that we will use for our class Web site project. Finally, we will learn how to use Dreamweaver MX 2004 to create a connection to the database server.
Homework
- Practice SQL at sqlcourse.com
- Read the handouts
- Read the class text: pages 224-232, 253-259
Class Three
In class we will learn to create a user login system based on access levels such as admin and member. We will import the Newland Tours database into phpMyAdmin, then look at its structure. We will use it as the starting point for our discussion of database design and normalization.
Homework
Read chapter 13 in the class text. You can practice the exercise on the last Mac by the wall in the science center lab.
Class Four
First we will review for the midterm that will take place next week.
Then we will create a database with three tables for our blog application. We will define the site, set up all the pages, and create the style sheet.
We will start with the login system, and then create the blog administration section of the site.
Homework
Study for the midterm!
Class Five
Take midterm!
Continue working on the blog application.
Class Six
During class we will first go over the midterms. We will also take a look at the php scripting language—the code behind our blog Web applications. We will continue working on these applications after reviewing what we did wth them last week.
Homework
Go to the science building lab and work through the parts of our blog "recipe" we have completed. You should feel more comfortable creating the application on your own. Next week we will choose which "enhancements" we want to add, such as formatting our timestamp.
Class Seven
In Class
- Review for the final exam
- PHP exercise for those who have completed the Web Blog application
Demos
- Membership page with dynamically generated images
- Simple search engine created by filtering data
- Navigation bar
- Recordset Count
- Format timestamp using PHP
Homework
- Study for final exam
- Think of discussion board topics for your phpBB bulletin board application
