Step number 1: creating the database.

If you know how to create a database, skip to step number 2.

First of all you will need to create a database, the process is fairly simple.

Databases contain tables and tables contain information.

To do that you need to connect to the database administration tool. Personally, I recommend using phpMyAdmin - it is currently one of the most popular database management tools.

Local servers: If you are using an web server pack (i.e. xampp), it will most likely be here: http://127.0.0.1/phpmyadmin/ If not, you will have to install it manually. You can get it at their website - http://www.phpmyadmin.net/

Hosting services: Most hosting companies offer control panels for their clients (i.e. cPanel), you should find out how to access phpMyAdmin or a similar database management tool. You can do that by logging into your control panel. If you do not have one, look on your hosts website or ask them.

Once you've logged into the whatever database management tool you'll be using, create a database called "guestbook".

Step number 2: creating the table.

As I mentioned previously, databases store tables and tables store information. There can be several tables in one database.

Let's go on and start creating the table now. Name the table "messages" and make the number of columns 6, submit it. You should now see a form with 5 fields. Make them look like this:
ID - INT - Extra: Increment Key - Primary Key
Name - TEXT
Date - DATETIME
Message - TEXT
IP - TEXT

So with phpMyAdmin the form should look like this:


If you everything is as is in the example, submit the form. Remember that everything should be in the same order.

The structure of your table should now look like this. If you made a mistake, please go back.

Step number 3: using the database.

In this part of the tutorial, we will be connecting to the database with a PHP script. Please be sure you know how to upload files, and know how to connect to your database.

Let's start the script, from now on read the comments in the code