How do I build a complete php website with databases before buying the hosting service and domain?

Question

I want to create a website, but want to create it before I buy the hosting service and domain name. The website will require php and database support. The reason I want to build it first is because I have a limited budget and don't want to buy the hosting and domain name only to have to spend the first 2 or 3 months building the website. It seems like it would be cheaper to build and test it before putting it online. Is there anyway I can build and test it locally on my computer first without having it hosted online?

Answer 1

I recommend you to download and install (or just extract):



WAMP - http://www.wampserver.com/en/



or



XAMMP - http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html



They include Apache, MySQL, PHP so you don't have to setup

anything yourself. Just start the server and type 127.0.0.1 in your browser.



That said, I do recommend you to register your domain and start the basic site right away.

Why?

Because it will take Google some time (maybe even a couple of months) to index and start ranking your site.



I recommend you to:

1. Register your domain (you could go for a keyword rich domain or a generic but brandable one)

2. Create a basic index.html with:

- keyword rich title tag

- meta description - the text you want to show in the short description of your site in google search results

- maybe a

Keyword rich main title

and some content

3. Add your domain to a couple social bookmarking sites like digg, or some sites like squidoo...



This way you won't have to build your site and than wait a couple of months for it to start ranking in google, but you could do both at the same time.



If you have a limited budget for hosting there are lot of cheap but quality hosts like Powweb, JustHost or Godaddy which have a holiday sale right now so you could get them pretty cheap.

Check http://www.hosttell.com for more info.

Answer 2

You will need three programs running on your home or office computer to be able to do this.



1) A server program like Apache. There are a number of server programs available, besides Apache.. They listen to the internet for requests for information, and then send out the requested information. It is possible to have them listen to their own computer and respond to requests. Most server programs are available as free downloads. Apache can be found here: http://www.apache.org/.



2) Mysql. Mysql actually runs as a form of server on the computer, but as a database server rather than a web server. Mysql is a free download from http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/5.1.html for the latest version. You will need to install this and configure it properly.



3) You will need Php. This is available from http://www.php.net/ as a free download.



Make sure when you download you are getting the proper version for your operating system.



Installing on your home computer can be tricky. I would suggest you patiently spend a lot of time reading through the documentation, and possibly looking at web sites that give trouble shooting advice before even starting. Hit your local bookstore, or your local library. There is a great deal of help out there.



An I option I have used was to pick up an old computer (pre-1 Ghz), and set it up as a server, connected to my home computer via a router, and blocked from internet access. If you can find an old computer and a cheap router this is well worth the investment. I installed Ubuntu Linux server version, which has Linux, Apache, Mysql, and Php (LAMP) packaged together. It is one easy, quick install for the lot. Ubuntu is available at: http://www.ubuntu.com/.



A word to the wise: The environment on your computer is fairly constant as far as operating system, IP address, browser, screen resolution, and a number of other factors, which will vary with your users, when the site is actually up and running. Test your scripts extensively and throw it some curves before allowing the public to have a shot at it. Even then expect to have problems that will need to be corrected fairly quickly when the public is allowed access. Even software architects with years of experience will tell you that no roll-out goes without problems.



Good Luck

Answer 3

I was interested in the same thing months ago finding a hosting service to upload my end of university project. here i found an exelent free solution: http://www.000webhost.com/108307.html . php+mysql database, online phpmyadmin, easy import export, free support.



I think is a good solution for quality assurance to develop web projects and acces it from everywere.



i hope it's usefull.

Answer 4

You can use your PC as a Web server, you would need software that supports MySQL and PHP.



With these, you can build the Website, then test them on your PC server.

Answer 5

Take a look at: http://www.threehosts.com/php-ftp



Hope this helps!