Some basic php tips... - DNForum - Domain Sales, Domain Forum, Domain Appraisals, Domain Registrars

**elivate** · 02-29-2008, 09:02 AM

I just wanted to share a couple of simple tips that may help out some of those who are new to developing sites using .php

One of the best tips I think is to use includes as often as you can. I always use an include for my main navigation menu and footer, and sometimes for my header, too... This allows you to make updates easily in one place, and saves a lot of time. It also reduces the chances of making a mistake and having conflicting information on your site...

A basic include in php looks like this:

Code:

<? 
     include("menu.php");
?>

Another thing you see a lot is a footer that has a copyright and a date, usually just the year, and it is out of date... Here is an easy way to avoid that problem:

Code:

<?php
$today = date("Y");
?>

Copyright © <?=$today?> My Website.

Anyway, these are just a couple of simple tips I thought I would share...

**draggar** · 02-29-2008, 09:04 AM

I LOVE the include() command.

It is the best for editing headers, footers, link bars, etc..

Plus, all it has to be is a plain old html page (with no <html><head><body> tags). Whenever you look at my sites each page is a minimum of 3-4 pages, some up to 6 or 7 and does not have a noticeable impact on load speeds, even 56K.

**elivate** · 02-29-2008, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by draggar

I LOVE the include() command.

It is the best for editing headers, footers, link bars, etc..

Plus, all it has to be is a plain old html page (with no <html><head><body> tags). Whenever you look at my sites each page is a minimum of 3-4 pages, some up to 6 or 7 and does not have a noticeable impact on load speeds, even 56K.

Exactly, these are the sort of small things that can make developing and maintaining sites a lot easier...

Also, this is obviously not just for .php, you just need to know the proper syntax for the language of choice...

**draggar** · 02-29-2008, 09:37 AM

Used correctly, PHP and CSS can make excellent sites, very professional looking, easy to maintain, and no need for "web creation" software (but I will admit, DreamWeaver is great for editing large sites).