[SOLVED] can't make the simplest PHP work!!!

[starscream.pt]

It's driving me insane! I started learning this stuff 3 days ago, i've learned how to create databases and tables in mysql but then i noticed i could not do a simple submit information to the database with a submit form, so i tried something even EASYER, that is a simple "connected to mysql" message, here is what i ALWAYS get in the browser:

 

""; ?>"

 

here is the code i'm using:

<?php

mysql_connect("localhost", "root") or die(mysql_error());

echo "Connected to MySQL<br />";

?>

 

i even tried taking off the "" because they make things go red on adobe dreamweaver, so i also tried this:

 

<?php

mysql_connect(localhost, root) or die(mysql_error());

echo "Connected to MySQL<br />";

?>

 

One thing i notice is that the <?php always show up in red. Mysql is working fine it seems, as i can execute the commands in the console and insert data into tables, but never from a PHP website ITS DRIVING ME NUTS!!!!! i have tried out dozens of examples NONE works!! can you guys help me out?

 

[freebsdntu]

You have syntax error in your echo statement,first of all.

I suggest you do a google search on the tutorial.

[kenrbnsn]

How are you invoking the script? PHP scripts must be invoked via a webserver. You're output indicates that you are not invoking it via a webserver.

 

BTW, the simplest PHP script is

<?php
echo "Hello World";
?>

 

Ken

[starscream.pt]

i tried the hello world and it displays blank!! it is seriously driving me nuts, no sorts of white text, just plain blank!

[rab]

check the manual, mysql_connect() takes 3 arguments.

[kenrbnsn]

I ask again --- how are you invoking your script? If you're not using a webserver, it won't work.

 

Ken

[john010117]

View source. Does it output the full PHP code? Then you need a webserver. WAMP is good for Windows.

[ayok]

i tried the hello world and it displays blank!! it is seriously driving me nuts, no sorts of white text, just plain blank!

 

First, take something that makes you relax. A cup of tea or a joint. I had a same experince.

 

Then, you need to know what is required to see your test.php on your browser. You can download WAMP to set up your computer ready for php. I use Apache2Triad. If you work on webserver, see if it's support php. If you really have started 3 days ago, then you need to prepare some basic stuff.

 

Good luck

 

ayok

[starscream.pt]

First of all i read what the 3rd poster said twice, than i remembered i have uninstalled uniform server or dont have wamp.

second i went outside to relax, now i'll install uniform sever again to text this thing and will let you guys know how it went, thank you for everything so far.

[nitation]

First of all what happens to the password of your database connection? You should be having sumthing like?

 

<?php
mysql_connect("localhost", "root", "password") or die(mysql_error());
echo "Connected to MySQL";
?>

 

Kindly note the "password" i added to you query. Try it and lets see.

[revraz]

That won't do any good if he can't even parse PHP.

[Warptweet]

In dreamweaver, I'm positive it saves the file as .htm or .html. Try renaming the file as .php and the PHP should work.

[starscream.pt]

i have the uniform server running, still, same problem happens, am i missing anything?

 

@ the password issue, i do not have a password, but have tried with password and different mysql account, nothing works

 

What i'm doing is, running uniform server, writting a php file in notepad (e.g. test.php) with the hello world code and problem is the same, i cant make anything happen, browser is blank or has the ?>

 

 

[Daukan]

Are you saving the file to your www root? I think in apache the default directory is htdocs

[starscream.pt]

i stoped uniform server and started wamp, seems nicer, started the apache service, server is online php file is in www directory, still not working

[Daukan]

Can you open normal html pages?

[starscream.pt]

Can you open normal html pages?

 

yes, that is why it has to be some configuration on my PC otherwise it would not work with many known sites.

[Daukan]

hmm could do a test.

 

Make a directory in the www folder called test.

Make a file called test.php, which contains the hello world code

<?php
    echo 'Hello world';
?>

Place test.php in the test directory

 

Open a command window. start/run/ type in cmd, click ok

 

copy this text

 

cd \Apache2\htdocs\test

C:\Apache2\modules\php\php.exe -c

C:\Apache2\modules\php\php.ini -f test.php

 

right click on command window then click paste, press enter key (may parse without hitting enter)

 

If you are using the default install of wamp on drive C this should print Hello World if php is installed.

You may need to find php.exe and adjust the file path so command can find it

If your www isn't called htdocs you need to change that

If your install isn't on drive C change the drive letters to the correct drive

[juapo2]

First, are you sure you have PHP enbled?

You should first check that, then check your code and database settings: your code for connecting to database, should be something like this:

<?php
$server = "localhost" //most of all servers
$user = "youruser" //there goes your database username
$pass = "yourpass" // here goes your database password

mysql_connect("$server", "$user", "$pass") or die(mysql_error());
echo "Connected to MySQL<br />";
?>

 

I think that should work.

[ayok]

i stoped uniform server and started wamp, seems nicer, started the apache service, server is online php file is in www directory, still not working

 

You have to save your php files on folder htdocs, and open it.

[dickiebow]

If you are using WAMP, which is wonderful IMHO, then in your browser type http://lolcalhost/ and you should see the wamp homepage. Then if you have put your file inside a folder within the c:\wamp\www directory, and named it index.php, once you click on that folder in the wamp homepage you will see the results of your coding.

 

Is it as simple as that?

[PHP_PhREEEk]

If you are using WAMP, which is wonderful IMHO, then in your browser type http://lolcalhost/ and you should see the wamp homepage. Then if you have put your file inside a folder within the c:\wamp\www directory, and named it index.php, once you click on that folder in the wamp homepage you will see the results of your coding.

 

Is it as simple as that?

 

Typo: http://lolcalhost/ = http://localhost/

 

yes, that is why it has to be some configuration on my PC otherwise it would not work with many known sites.

 

You're not being asked whether you can see 'known sites' whilst regularly browsing the Internet. That you're here posting proves that works fine. = )  You're being asked if html pages stored in your htdocs directory and called up with http://localhost work. Once you have localhost working, you can then test for PHP.

 

PhREEEk

[starscream.pt]

omg finaly * opens bottle of champagne *

 

nothing a classic restart and creating a folder inside www folder wont solve PHP is now running, i was able to say hello to the world and connect to mysql database *gee* that was tuff.

 

Thanks to all of you great helpers that made me understand this better in a matter of hours.

 

Cheers!

Merry xmas!

[PHP_PhREEEk]

Grats! We'll see you at your first PARSE ERROR! = D

 

PhREEEk