Local PHP Guidelines

PHP is a server-side HTML-embedded scripting language. Much of its syntax is borrowed from C, Java and Perl with a couple of unique PHP-specific features thrown in. The goal of the language is to allow web developers to write dynamically generated pages quickly. Basically, it is the U-System's substitute for CGI.

Before you begin

• PHP pages can use either .php or .php3 filename extensions.
• Use the full <?php ... ?> HTML enclosure tags.
• Even though the mySQL hooks are enabled, there is no mySQL database available on the U-System.
• Program execution functions (system(), exec(), etc...) are disabled.

Related Links and Tutorials

Since PHP is an addition to HTML, it assumes you know HTML.

• PHP Tutorial -- Start Here
• Annotated Manual -- Very Useful
• Function Quick Reference -- Good once you start programming
• PHPBuilder.com -- Resources for PHP Developers

Local Source Code Examples

Here are some source code examples that you should be able to cut and paste, change a few values, and have a working document.

• An email form takes 2 pages. First a form and second a response page.

The consult group may be able to assist in general PHP issues. Your best resource for support information is the web itself. Try the many links at www.php.net for more information.