Noob takes some time to php, mysql programming

Question

I am working on a site (dating, social). Basically, this is a database system in which registered users can search, update their own data, send messages to each other, upload photos. I am noob in web programming. I write code (html, css, php, sql queries) line by line. This was normal when I had only 3-4 pages (registration, profile update, search, contact list), but now it becomes more complicated (15-20 pages), and it is difficult for me to track functions, variables, css identifiers and etc. Moreover, I ask you to add additional functions to it (user blogs, forums) that will make it even more complicated ...

I would like to get some recommendations from professionals to speed up the development process. I have a semi-prepared system with my own database tables, php files, functions. And I have some experience in coding. I work with Eclipse, but I only use it as a text editor.

So what's next? What development tools would you use to encode such a system?

Thanks.

Answer 1

I have some general advice that I think will help someone start in any programming field

• Find other people doing the same and talk to them about how they do it. They don’t all have to be experts, because you can still learn from other newcomers, but not only talk to newcomers, or you just learn bad habits :)

• Use other people's code wherever you are. Frames, libraries, examples that you found on the Internet. If it's a wireframe or library that many people use, keep using it as you like. If this is your example that you found on a blog or something like that, make sure you really understand what it is doing, because it has a lot of garbage!

• Eclipse is great as a text editor, like so many others. Changing a text editor will not improve or simplify the management of your code. Having the development tools that you like can make the whole process more enjoyable, but it's not as important as you might guess from reading online. Spending two weeks learning a new coding environment will not help you control your project.

• Try to make sure you have as many Joel Test as possible, even on a team of one. You should be able to answer yes to at least questions 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10.

Answer 2

OOP and I would advise taking a look at other open source social sites / engines to find out 1) migration is possible (since your half is ready, according to you) 2) it is possible to use their framework / basic models. and as you add more features to your existing one, I recommend you take a look below:

FYI [1] Social Engine.Net http://www.socialengine.net/ [2] Comparison of mobile networks (by Wiki)

Regarding the coding of IDE / development tools / methods, you will increase your productivity if your environment is integrated into php (function on the fly / method search).

Answer 3

I would strongly suggest using a PHP framework like Zend, Symphony, etc., than just writing PHP files. This will help you use something called ORM for database queries, which helps you migrate from different database servers such as Oracle, MySQL, etc. In addition, your question requires a very detailed answer. Try to find some of the software development methods and tools that help them (e.g. trac, svn, etc.). I found them to help me organize and stay on schedule. And how many users do you want to serve? Think about the scalability of your design.