Accounts and things

[drkknight32]

Hey everyone,

 

I'm trying to learn how to create a web page that has accounts with the following functionality. I'm assuming doing something like this is complicated, I'm really new to all of this.

 

In a perfect world users would have the ability to create an account, receive e-mail updates from the web page, upload files that can be downloaded by other users, and upload a small picture that can be used to represent the download they placed on the web page. Then there's also the ability to record and make credit card transactions so users can purchase items from other users. I'm trying to get a system similar to www.cafepress.com .

 

How much do you think it would cost to set up such a system?

 

Thanks!

[poleposters]

It would cost nothing if you did it yourself.

 

I started learning PHP in January and I've managed to build a similar site in just 3 months. Its not hard.

 

As for the cost of someone else building it. How long is a piece of string. Although you can get some talented developers cheaply if  you use oDesk.com or guru.com. But it would help to know a little about PHP/Mysql so that you can sketch out a plan before you ask someone to build it. The best option is to build what you can yourself and get someone else to do the tricky stuff.

 

And if you're going to stand back and let someone else do it, ask yourself are you building a website or a business. If so, make sure you have a business plan before you do anything. Any amount of time or money you invest in building a site will be a waste if you don't have a solid plan.

 

Good luck.

[Zhadus]

Additionally you should decide on whether you are going to be using some code that's already available as either paid or open source, or if it will all be from scratch. Some things to keep in mind, especially as far as credit card transactions, you will need to make sure it is secure and that your members will trust YOU with their money.

 

There are many widely used shopping cart systems already available to look at. Overall, poleposters has probably given you the best information. Coding such a large project is all about compromise, try to do everything you can yourself first.

[drkknight32]

I suppose the next best question to ask is: Where's the best place to get PHP training is?

[Zhadus]

Here

 

Read the tutorials, read up on PHP, play around with it, and post if you can't find the answers anywhere else.

[poleposters]

I bought a book called PHP and MySQL for dynamic websites by Larry Ullman. Its very thorough and easy to read and has downloadable sample scripts on the companion site.

 

But once you learn a few basics just throw yourself in. Download some sample scripts and study the source code.

 

Heres a link for a business directory script. Its not waht you want to do, but it includes alot of the basics like reigstration, login retrieving and displaying records from a database. You can use it as base for what you want to do and just add features as necessary.

 

http://www.chipmunk-scripts.com/page.php?ID=15

 

And as Zhadus said. PHP freaks is priceless. I've learnt more here than in any book.Just make sure you know what you know a little about what you're trying to do before you ask any questions.

 

Also download XAMPP. This lets you install a server on your computer and lets you set up databases with PHPMYAdmin. That way you can develop your scripts locally rather than through a webhost. Which is tedious when you're changing code every 3 seconds.