setting up for php

[#1]

Hi
I'm a moderately proficient user of php, using it extensively for php includes and and few other things - but not dynamic sites yet, and exclusively use .php extension to files.
I see the mySQL database is included - so want to start learning that - but first I need to get basic php pages working.
It says in the guide that all home pages should be index.htm or .html - ok fair enough  a good guide for new users ( but you make the same mistake of not telling people to deleter or simply overright the default .html if you use .htm !!!.
So how can I set it to make my home page .php
I tried an Redirect 301 /index.htm http://www.example.plus.com/index.php
in a .htaccess file - but got errors
[edit: oh - I tried uploading an .htaccess file - but the server keeps deleting it
thanks

[further edit ! -
Still playing and although the htaccess file has disappeared - there is still a redirect to index.php going on ? ?
Looking around - I see that CGI was not activated - and that may seem to affect it ? - I've turned it on - but it says it takes 4 hours to activate !.
By the way - I assume the server is Apache - what version and what version of php and MysQL please

[#2]

Hello there,
First. You are using the wrong Server for PHP Files.
You should be connecting to one of the following via FTP/S-FTP:

• ccgi.plus.net
  
• 84.92.1.4
  

URL: http://ccgi.username.plus.com/
Second. You probably haven't got the right tools.So, start by Downloading:

• PuTTY - Secure Shell
  
• WinSCP - Secure FTP (S-FTP) Client (Saves a lot of hastle)
  

You can answer those questions by:
Enabling MySQL from the Member Center.
You'll recieve an EMail with the Database Details.
Hit in your Web Browser: http://mysql.plus.net/ and Loging in.
On the main page once Logged in you will see the Server Version.
Once you've got access to the CCGI Server, you can upload a simple test script.

<?php
phpinfo();
?>

Which will tell you far more than just the Version which gives you a far better idea of what functionality the Service brings.
As for Apache Version the last time I looked it was Version 1.3.3.
I also suggest you start learning about UNIX Command Line Commands.
Hope that helps.
Jim,

[#3]

Thanks Jim,
Some interesting and useful stuff there
I've been using some php for some time now - nothing really clever but find it much better than using shtml ssi -
I've never had to have php files in seperate files / server space - some files might have php, some might not , but all have .php for convenince.
Yes I know about phpinfo(); thanks - but couldn't even get that far.
I'm been using Dreamweaver for some years and now on CS3 & trialling CS4 beta - that makes using php quite easy.

[#4]

Hello there,
I personally have never needed to use an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) like Dreamweaver/FrontPage for Web Development.
I use Notepad 2, any with Syntax Highlighting will save you an age of deugging.
Any similar text editor with Syntax Highlighting, will do the job.
ScITE, Notepad ++.. etc
The PHP Documentation is very useful,
I've never picked up a PHP Book and learnt a thing from it that wasn;t in the Documentation already.
Hope that helps!
Jim,

[#5]

Quote from: Prod_Man

Hello there, I personally have never needed to use an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) like Dreamweaver/FrontPage for Web Development. I use Notepad 2, any with Syntax Highlighting will save you an age of deugging. Any similar text editor with Syntax Highlighting, will do the job. ScITE, Notepad ++.. etc

OK - so you are one of the " I only use Notepad" advocates 🙂 fine each to his own .
I just find managing a site with 200 pages - and php server side includes - that Dw helps a great deal - it really helps maintain links if you have to move files around during site development.

Quote from: Prod_Man

The PHP Documentation is very useful, I've never picked up a PHP Book and learnt a thing from it that wasn;t in the Documentation already. Jim,

Yes - I'm a regular at the php.net pages 🙂