User space, PHP and MySQL:
A Free Playground for Learning to Create Dynamic Web Content
Faculty Directions, Spring 2003
by Joseph Johansen
Collaborative Learning Environment
As members of Clemson University we have access to a wonderful, though often overlooked resource, our network user space (U drive). Many of us use this space to store important digital documents. Some even use it as a server for publishing personal Webpages. But how many are aware that this space can serve as a testing ground for developing databases and learning to create dynamic Internet content? My guess is, not many.
Unbeknownst to most network users, user space is automatically configured to support PHP (Hypertext Pre-Processor), a powerful open-source scripting language that can be used to build sophisticated online forms, thumbnail galleries, and many other useful Web applications.
What's more, the University Webmaster, Sandi Piazza, can set up a personal MySQL database that can open an entirely new world of dynamic Web content possibilities. Database request forms can be found at webmaster.clemson.edu/download.htm. MySQL is an open-source database that acts as the perfect complement for PHP. Together, they can be used to create a wide assortment of intelligent, dynamic Web sites and applications.
Because they are open-source, all product documentation for PHP and MySQL is available to the public for free on their respective Web sites: www.php.net and www.mysql.com. In addition, there are literally thousands of free online tutorials, Web sites and devoted user communities along with a wealth of books that can soften the learning curve associated with these two outstanding resources.
It is important to note that at present the databases set up by the University Webmaster are intended for learning purposes only. But don't get too concerned; the Webmaster will soon be making production databases available for those faculty and University organizations that wish to publish database driven content to production Web sites.