PHP Basics-this chapter focuses on ■ deciding whether to outsource or build your own ■ Finding appropriate ISP ■ avoiding common host traps ■ installing PHP ■ selecting PHP development tools in this chapter, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various Web virtual host options: Getting started with outsourcing PHP
Highlights of this Chapter
■ Outsourcing or self-built
■ Find the appropriate ISP
■ Avoid common host traps
■ Install PHP
■ Select a PHP development tool
In this chapter, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various Web virtual host options: outsourcing, self-built and different compromise solutions. Next we will discuss the installation details of PHP, and finally some suggestions on finding appropriate development tools. By the end of this chapter, you should be able to start your first script.
Comparison between VM and DIY
The first important decision you need to determine is: Who will master and manage the Web websites that support PHP, whether you are yourself or the vendor that provides Web virtual host services? In addition, do you need a separate development and installation? if necessary, who will master it? If you have made a decision, you can skip this section and read the installation section in this chapter.
Select ISP
As many ISP companies begin to provide Web services that support PHP, Remote Hosting has become a mainstream choice. The following are some basic concepts that must be remembered.
Advantages
Outsourced virtual hosts have many advantages. Theoretically, ISP has the responsibility (theoretically) to master many key technologies and management details so that the station can maintain normal operation. these details include:
■ Hardware
■ Software upgrade
■ InterNIC registration, IP addressing, DNS
■ Mail server (POP/IMAP and SMTP)
■ Broadband
■ Power supply
■ Backup
■ Security
If something goes wrong with a user's website, ISP technicians have to boot their mobile phones in the middle of the night. after learning this, the user can sleep more securely. All these headaches have now been handed over to companies that provide virtual host services due to potential cracker, power outages, and backup tapes.
In most cases, the cost-effectiveness of Web virtual hosts is relatively good. The cost of PHP on Linux or a BSD is very low and it is easy to get. Currently, only a few companies provide PHP for the NT Server platform. of course, some prices are not cheap. Find the appropriate ISP service provider.
Disadvantages
Of course, ISP virtual hosts also have some serious disadvantages.
Fortunately, most of these shortcomings are controllable. When using ISP, the user is basically a [guest] and must follow the rules of others. Maybe you are a paid and popular guest, but it is not as convenient and free to say in other people's homes.
The most worrying topic is the comparison of PHP modules and CGI. PHP is the best and fastest performing module execution. In other words, the module is built into the Web server itself, rather than being executed as a separate itinerary. Whenever possible, almost every user is willing to use the module version. However, many ISP companies prefer to execute CGI versions because security management is relatively simple. Fortunately, more and more VM services are available on the market, making it easier to find modules.
Currently, the biggest problem with the use of outsourced PHP virtual hosts is the inability to obtain other program resources. Obviously, ISP strongly encourages you to design programs on their servers, however, there are many PHP parameters that must be between some services and communication protocols and cannot execute unauthorized execution formats or link them to the library in your Directory.
There is a constant rule: the more common the requirements are, the more likely it is to be and the more suitable it is for outsourcing virtual hosts. the more special the demand is, the more likely it is to be set up by itself. Of course, there is actually an unwritten rule: the larger the size of your website, the more money you need, the higher the weight of the balance given to others' management.
The following factors make it more difficult to find a VM service:
■ Controversial content (violent or pornographic) in general ).
■ Unsolicited emails, also known as spam.
■ Attract content (security information) from geeks ).
■ Potential illegal content that may cause problems.
■ Unusual requirements for server hardware, operating systems, or software are required.
■ Demand for ultra-high broadband (especially non-unpredictable broadband.
If you are in one of the above situations, you need to inform them in advance. If you can find a good and qualified VM service, don't hesitate. hurry and seize the opportunity to use it again. then, you will try to find a better solution later.
Finally, you must mention the most important aspect of all negative factors: poor VM services can cause great setbacks and worries. It cannot be described that when your webpage is listed on Slashdot but it cannot be displayed, you may lose all the opportunities to present it in public.
Not to mention other common problems, such as the inexplicable loss of email, the disappearance of DNS, the unknown disconnection of the website, and the loss of database data (this only happened to us ), lack of backup, or waiting for an hour's e-talk to their technical support staff, who seem to have never approached the server or responded to your courtesy email, and you will get some preferential treatment only when you pay ...... (We are not ridiculed. our lawyers always say that we cannot mention too much ).
The bottom line for choosing a virtual host service is: when you select a virtual host service, you can start to face risks. Make sure you are ready to move away at any time. This also means that you should not choose the kind of service that does not have long-term contracts or (or) adopt prepayment, even if they are cheap or have multiple functions. On the contrary, do not be impatient when dealing with them. if virtual hosts have never been outsourced before, it takes some time to understand and judge the difference between Web virtual host service companies (careful and poor technical support) and fundamental Internet traffic problems.
Details
If you decide to use a VM, you need to know that there are many options in the current market. However, new buyers should be careful, because the word [ISP] can contain almost everything, and you will be confused about everything. The guidelines in Table 3-1 provide a professional scope and the most appropriate use (the companies mentioned here are just examples and do not represent recognition or recommendation of their services ).
Table 3-1 different ISPs
The above is the content in chapter 3 of the PHP Learning Guide. For more information, see The PHP Chinese website (www.php1.cn )!
