1. If you have any queries/problems about PHP try http://www.php.net/manual/en first. You can download a copy and use it offline also.
Please also try http://www.php.net/manual/faq.php for answers to frequently answered questions about PHP (added by Christophe Chisogne).
2. Try http://www.google.com next. Searching for "php YOUR QUERY" may fetch you relevant information within the first 10 results.
3. There is a searchable archive of the mailing list discussion at http://phparch.com/mailinglists. Many of the common topics are discussed repeatedly, and you may get answer to your query from the earlier discussions.
For example: One of the repeatedly discussed question in the list is "Best PHP editor". Everyone has his/her favourite editor. You can get all the opinions by going through the list archives. If you want a chosen list try this link : http://www.thelinuxconsultancy.co.uk/phpeditors/ (contributed by Christophe Chisogne).
4. Not sure if PHP is working or you want find out what extensions are available to you?
Just put the following code into a file with a .php extension and access it through your webserver:
<?php phpinfo(); ?>
If PHP is installed you will see a page with a lot of information on it. If PHP is not installed (or not working correctly) your browser will try to download the file.
(contributed by Teren and reworded by Chris W Parker)
5. If you are stuck with a script and do not understand what is wrong, instead of posting the whole script, try doing some research yourself. One useful trick is to print the variable/sql query using print or echo command and check whether you get what you expected.
After diagnosing the problem, send the details of your efforts (following steps 1, 2 & 3) and ask for help.
6. PHP is a server side scripting language. Whatever processing PHP does takes place BEFORE the output reaches the client. Therefore, it is not possible to access users' computer related information (OS, screen size etc) using PHP. Nor can you modify any the user side settings. You need to go for JavaScript and ask the question in a JavaScript list.
On the other hand, you can access the information that is SENT by the user's browser when a client requests a page from your server. You can find details about browser, OS etc as reported by this request. - contributed by Wouter van Vliet and reworded by Chris W Parker.
7. Provide a clear descriptive subject line. Avoid general subjects like "Help!!", "A Question" etc. Especially avoid blank subjects.
8. When you want to start a new topic, open a new mail composer and enter the mailing list address php-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx instead of replying to an existing thread and replacing the subject and body with your message.
9. Only quote the relevant parts of an email when replying. Do not Quote everything (including huge code snippets) only to say "I agree", for instance. [contribued by Paul Waring]
10. It's always a good idea to post back to the list once you've solved your problem. People usually add [SOLVED] to the subject line of their email when posting solutions. By posting your solution you're helping the next person with the same question. [contribued by Chris W Parker]
11. Ask smart questions http://catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html [contributed by Jay Blanchard)
12. Do not send your email to the list with attachments. If you don't have a place to upload your code, try the many pastebin websites (such as www.pastebin.com). [contributed by Burhan Khalid]
Following these guidelines will ensure that you get effective responses from the list members. Otherwise, your questions might not be answered.
Hope you have a good time programming with PHP. -- Integrated Management Tools for leather industry ---------------------------------- http://www.leatherlink.net S.Gnanavel, BSG LeatherLink (P) Ltd, Chennai - 600106
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