PHP - Necessary Setup
To begin working with PHP you must first have access to either of the following:
- A web hosting account that supports the use of PHP web pages and grants
you access to MySQL databases. If you do not have a host,
but are interested in signing up for one, we recommend that you first read our
Web Host Guide to educate yourself about web hosting
and avoid getting ripped off.
- Have PHP and MySQL installed on your own computer. Read this lesson thorougly for more information on installing PHP.
Although MySQL is not absolutely necessary to use PHP, MySQL and PHP are wonderful complements to
one another and some topics covered in this tutorial will require that you have MySQL access.
Installing PHP
For those who are experienced enough to do this yourself, simply head over to
PHP.net - Downloads and download the most recent version of PHP.
However, if you are like most of us, you will most likely want to follow a guide to installing PHP onto your computer.
These guides are kindly provided by PHP.net based on the operating system that you are using.
Installing MySQL
As we mentioned before, MySQL is not a requirement to use PHP, however they often go hand in hand.
Visit MySQL's MySQL Installation
Guide for help on installing MySQL.
PHP Installation Troubles
If you have any installation troubles you should visit Tizag's popular PHP forum and ask for help!
Download Tizag.com's PHP Book
If you would rather download the PDF of this tutorial, check out our
PHP eBook from the Tizag.com store.
Print it out, write all over it, post your favorite lessons all over your wall! Found Something Wrong in this Lesson?Report a Bug or Comment on This Lesson - Your input is what keeps Tizag improving with time! | 
