Maybe I should not claim this as ‘my first script’ because it is just an implementation of code, but I did make something that is useful to me using PHP. I have been interested in learning a bit more about PHP as it is an important scripting language used in web development. I have a project in mind that will require more knowledge and this is a first baby step in gaining that knowledge.

I set up a form to input necessary data and produced an action page to present the data in a format that is useful to me. I need code for my book of the day rotator on the Mixing Live Sound site. The old system with the bookstore partner generated the code easily, but they changed the system making more work for me. The script takes the necessary information and generates the code that I need for the rotator. This is much easier than writing each line of code myself and making sure that it is all formatted correctly.

The action page produces a preview of the ‘book of the day’ ad and has a code box with the need code. The preview was an unintended consequence but I like the way the data is presented now and the preview is a useful addition of which I had not planned. I have a couple of tweaks in mind and I need to collect a bit more data and I will be ready to produce my rotator file. I will probably use the same basic input form with a different action page with some minor modifications to generate the entries for my new bookstore page. The old bookstore page used the old code that no longer works with the new system.

I need to get this done so that I can get on with the bigger project. If it turns out well and is well received I may even offer it as my first product. When (if) I have something to show I will tell you about it here.

I am beginning to dig into PHP scripting a bit more. I want a custom script and there is no money at this time of year to get it programmed. I have some interest in PHP anyway as all of the dynamic sites use PHP scripts, so it is time that I learn a bit more. This will be interesting.

I looked at the PHP manual on the php.net site, but it is written with the expectation that the reader has some programming knowledge in other common computer languages. I had an intro to computer programming course in college about 40 years ago, but haven’t looked at it since. That was in Fortran. The basic knowledge of programming flow will probably help, but I remember basically nothing from the course work and little of it would apply anyway. I am going to need to find some material that is more basic.

The W3C schools has some PHP tutorial content. I think that will be my next stop on this journey. I have seen another tutorial site to which I may return, as well. What I probably really need for the current project is a cookbook approach. I will probably be able to find specific tutorials for the parts that I need various places on the web, or I may find something close and modify it.

I may have to walk before I run. I might not be able to get all the features I would like until I learn more, but I think that I am close to a place where I could make something usable. I can build a basic version that will get things started and then update it later with additional features.

In writing this I have come up with some new ideas. I will try to remember to tell you how it all turned out.