PHP Development Environments

[urtlking2jo]

I'm new to PHP, but have a pretty good understanding of the basics to create dynamic content.  That said, I'm looking for any tools that might exist to increase my efficiency in creating/validating forms that can move data to a database.  Are there any tools out there that make PHP/MySQL more visually oriented and generate some of the basic code in the background?  Something with closer to the ease of Access, but the flexibility and power of PHP/MySQL? 

 

I'd also love any tips on how people test their code.  Right now, I write it in Dreamweaver, upload it, and then call the file in a browser to check for errors.  I presume there are better techniques? 

 

Basically, any tips in the development process for someone who is familiar with HTML/PHP/MySQL but would like to move onto more intermediate/advanced methods would be appreciated!  Thanks in advance!

[Psycho]

My understanding is that Dreamweaver can do some of that for you (creating the forms and having a development environment). I don't use it though.

 

I use a PHP text editor called PHP Edit. I also use XAMPP which is an all-in-one Apache Web server with PHP & MySQL already installed. You can simply download and run from a folder on your PC. It is a great tool for having a development environment. I run it off of my USB Thumb Drive so I can take my work anywhere. I can edit and test my pages at the same time w/o having to upload to a remote server.