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Final Project Rational
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The final project is the
beginning of a web application. Used in
this production were Scripts 8.2, 8.3, 8.10 and 12.5 from PHP for the World Wide Web (2nd
Edition) by Larry Ullman. Script 8.10 allows registration
of a member for a site, while 12.5 adds that data to a database.
Scripts 8.2 and 8.3 are nothing more than header and footer
files. While the header and footer files ideally should be two
separate html documents for ease of reusability, for the purpose of
this
tutorial, inclusion is done to provide a view of the code in its
entirety.
An understanding that the registration page is only one small part of
an
application is necessary. The ability of the database
administrator to create
a database and table, and add, delete, update, and view member's data
is also needed for proper database management. Other pages for
the completion of this application include index, login and
welcome screens. In addition to the proceeding, another challenge
to overcome is to properly configure and run MySQL. While
personally unable
to perform this task, the hard-coded queries are correct and would run
properly if the rest of the application was completed and MySQL was
functioning.
As the registration tutorial
is completed step-by-step, explanations of the scripts and instructions
for manipulating them are given. The goal of this tutorial is to
expose the complexity of web applications and what is necessary to
fully complete a project. A basic level of html knowledge is
assumed in order to be successful in this tutorial; some knowledge of
SQL would also be helpful.
The design of the registration script is logical in its coding
progression, and easy to read and follow through the use of
comments. The ability to copy and paste scripts allows for
error-proof scripting. Color coding makes it easier to see what
part of the code to modify and where the changes occur as the script
progresses. The layout of the page follows a combination of
information obtained from Graphic
Design Basics by Amy E. Arntson, and the Elements of Design
(line, value, color, shape, texture and space) and Principles of
Composition (simplicity, repetition, dynamism and balance) as learned
from a Computer Generated Presentations course taught by Tom
Russell. The use of the spiral notebook background and font
utilized not only give the MM4023 portion of the site uniformity, but
also gives the user as more relaxed, fun atmosphere in which to learn.
While this script is semi-complex once completed, the step-by-step
explanation simplifies the learning process. Through the use of
proper design techniques, learning can be made enjoyable and
educational at the same time.
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