specializing in digital media technologies

A few months back I came across a resource for designing databases (it was posted in a MySQL discussion list). Database Answers has tons of sample designs (a.k.a., models) for various situations. What the site lacks in attractive design in more than makes up for in its usefulness. There are hundreds of designs for you to consider, covering everything from “dog whisperer” to event reservations to online banking. Definitely worth looking at when you’re thinking about the database scheme for your next project.

Later this year I’m going to write an e-commerce with PHP and MySQL book for Peachpit Press. This is a topic that’s often been requested by my readers and one I’m happy to finally address. I have written e-commerce chapters in my PHP 6 and MySQL 5 for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide and PHP 5 Advanced: Visual QuickPro Guide books, but not to this extent. Specifically, those examples were unable to demonstrate the payment gateway system, as that’s so particular to each individual situation. This new book, whose title is still being determined, will cover everything you need to know to create an e-commerce site using PHP and MySQL. I’m going to describe my intentions for the book here, then ask for any questions, comments, and suggestions that you, the potential reader, may have. (continue reading…)