So far, ignoring the fact that i haven't got my head around exactly how to code in php, I've realized that it is possible to use php and the fread operator (forgive me if i use the wrong terminology throughout the rest of this post) to read a template page and then echo that "template" page onto all my other pages. I believe i would use this to create pages that do not have to be manually edited if i want to change the layout. This is all nice and fun, and I have a decent understanding of how to go about doing this.
HOWEVER, can i tell the php script to only read certain lines of my template page as to inject it where it is needed, or will i have to break apart my layout into several smaller html files?
My next question involves mysql or whatever it is i should use. I currently have it installed, so i think ill stick with it. After some searching, I learned that most database programs can read the mysql database files, but can i create them. I have openoffice.org's base program, which seems like it would be a good candidate. I hate text based interfaces, so i was wanting to use a graphical program.
I want to eventually create a database driven website, but im not sure what that actually means. My hope is that i can update the database with text and information. Then, the php will consult the database, and return it (after some scripting) how i specify with some styling. And even further down the line i want to make my page interactive, which again im guessing would mean that if someone inputs text into a form, it would actually write to the database, then when the php reads the database, it will display the new information the user submitted.
My next problem is in regards to the actual layout of my page. If u go to my site, you will notice that i have an area designated to the side. Currently there is nothing in it. I was going to use a series of links that i wanted to be dynamically updated as i added content, but until i reach that point i can settle for static links, that use a white color separated by dotted borders that run 85% of the width of the "sidenav," as i call it. I can emulate this effect perfectly using divs, but the catch is i want the background of the links to change color similar to the links at the top of the page. Because you cannot set link properties to a div, i am not sure what approach i should take in order to achieve this effect.
EXAMPLE:
- Link 1
- ...............................
- Link 2
- ...............................
- Link 3
- ...............................
Thanks,
Matt