Image maps and databases (Full Version)

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womble -> Image maps and databases (8/14/2005 17:45:19)

Ok folks, this is where I display my stunning lack of knowledge on databases and such like...

I'm planning improvements to a site which is going to be basically a directory of services for deaf people in the local area. Now because deaf people whose first language is sign language tend to prefer visual things, I was thinking image-map map, either select the type of service you're looking for, then click the relevant area on the map, or click the area on the map, then select the type of service you're looking for. I can cope with an image map okay. After I'd thought image map, then I realised that I'd need some way to store the information.

Plan A was hyperlinked pdf or Word documents, simply for simpleness - I then scrapped that on the grounds that that would be far too easy (I like a challenge), it would be a nightmare to keep updated, and would simply bring up the list of all services for each area, without allowing the user to search for a specific type of service. By this point I was realising that some sort of database was probably needed.

Now my experience of databases extends as far as a couple of intermediate courses on M$ Access a few years ago - I can set up tables, queries in design view, I vaguelly remember SQL but skipped over that on the grounds that it was a lot easier to stay in design view.

I'm guessing that because the site's on a Linux server I'm probably going to need to do something with MySQL and PHP? MySQL I have no experience, PHP, a little and a couple of books on it (I can fiddle around with php scripts a little to get them to do what I want them to do and they sometimes still work afterwards, but I struggle trying to write them from scratch). I do have about 6 months or so before I need to try and do anything with this.

My question is, where do I start? What technologies/ methods am I going to have to get my head round to make this work? Where's the best place to learn this stuff?

Any tips gratefully received. As Golfer would say, talk to me as though I'm a total idiot [;)]



dpf -> RE: Image maps and databases (8/14/2005 18:53:04)

womble : wouldnt that site thus be inaccessible to those with visual problems?



caz -> RE: Image maps and databases (8/14/2005 19:16:33)

quote:

ORIGINAL: dpf

womble : wouldnt that site thus be inaccessible to those with visual problems?


That was a sneaky one [:D]
Image maps can be made accessible. (Client side that is.)
http://www.jimthatcher.com/webcourse5.htm
http://www.alistapart.com/articles/imagemap/



rubyaim -> RE: Image maps and databases (8/15/2005 2:49:11)

quote:

My question is, where do I start? What technologies/ methods am I going to have to get my head round to make this work? Where's the best place to learn this stuff?


Hi Womble, my 2 cents...

Start by thinking about your database - if you get that right (as far as design / normalisation goes), then everything else becomes a little easier.

If I have to create a db from scratch I just use pen and paper to work out what info is actually required - just make notes on a page. When I've got all that I then look at normalisation and field types. Then I'll build a test db and generally find I've overlooked something, or many things, and then go back to the drawing board [&:] The time spent on database design is more than made up for down the track.

When you are working out what you want from your database, take a little time to become familiar with SQL (that will make life a whole lot easier in the long run).

If you have a copy of Access then it's not too bad at all to learn the rules of normalisation and to play with SQL.

Here are a couple of sites that may be useful:

Simple Database Design:
http://www.geekgirls.com/databases_from_scratch_2.htm

An Introduction to Database Normalization
http://dev.mysql.com/tech-resources/articles/intro-to-normalization.html

Introduction to Database Design:
http://www.schools.ash.org.au/olshc/infotech/dbdesign.htm

Normalization and Design Techniques
http://www.phpbuilder.com/columns/barry20000731.php3

Learn SQL
http://www.w3schools.com/sql/default.asp

A Gentle Introduction to SQL
http://sqlzoo.net/

As far as getting it on a website .... I just wing it really but am learning .... If I was not very comfortable with database theory I think it would be a lot harder for me to wing it (and copy / edit code) [sm=rolleyes.gif]

If you are looking at a directory, there could well be some free applications around that could be modified to suit your needs - Hotscripts is a good place to start.

Good luck with it - databases are a lot of fun - or it could be that I am a dork to think that [8|]

Sally



Tailslide -> RE: Image maps and databases (8/15/2005 4:18:06)

Hi Womble

I'd start by downloading mySQL - I found this a minor trauma in itself!! There are packages available such as Wamp or Xamp (? think that one's right) which basically are PHP and mySQL all together in one package so it should make like slightly easier!

Here's the main mySQL site instructions: http://dev.mysql.com/doc/mysql/en/index.html I worked through this and managed to get a db working ok. There are a couple of things I had trouble with as I'm a complete idiot and the instructions seem to assume some intelligence!! I was using the mySQL command prompt instead of the main one (it didn't specify which one to use - just assumed you knew) but the forum on there is useful and someone managed to point me in the right direction without making me feel completely stupid!

I did have problems taking a dump though. [:D] (you'll see)

Far as Image maps go - I've used Stu Nicholls ones before - I'll provide you an example if you want. They degrade to definition lists and are therefore presumably accessible.



womble -> RE: Image maps and databases (8/15/2005 15:31:26)

Good point about accessibility Dan, but I'd have thought alt tags and text links would cover that, though obviously something I'll need to look into. Thanks for all the database links everyone (and I'll check out Hotscripts too) - plenty of reading for me. I have to admit up 'til now I've not thought that deeply about the ins and outs of what it'll involve - I've had a quick look at a couple of the links, firstly to find out what normalisation was (head not in gear yet - I've not been in from work long and brain's not fully switched into web mode yet [:D] )



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