Kim,
There are several ways to go about doing this and a lot should depend on the project’s purpose. I don’t mean the what (a lunch scheduling script), but why. If the reason is primarily function, that is to say, you really need something to do this, then I would look for an existing public script to use or at least work off of. On the other hand, if the purpose is as much a learning experience with a good end use, I would look at coding it from the ground up. If the former applies, try to find something as specifically tailored to your needs as possible. If you are new to coding, working with somebody else’s code can be more than a little challenging! If you are considering the latter, here are some basic questions and tips:
The most fundamental question is do you have access to a server with php installed? You don’t specifically need php for this purpose, but since this is a php forum, we will be able to help you much more if that is what you are using.
The next question is data storage. Do you have access to a database? If so, what is it (mysql, sqlite, oracle, etc) If you don’t, does your php user have file write access (assuming php)?
When it comes to the actual project, you will want to consider:
[ul][li]User Interface - You will need to design an interface for the user to schedule breaks. How do you want them to do this? Will you use pull down menus (selects), check-boxes, radio-buttons, etc. Will you want a popup calendar? If so, most of them use javascript and this will be an additional layer of learning and problems.[/li]
[li]Output - How do you want to display the non-interface components of the script? Do you want to have a list of times? A full calendar view? Etc.[/li][li]Functions - You know that you need to be able to let people schedule a lunch, but are there other functions you will need? Do you need a login feature so that users can only schedule themselves? What if someone schedules a time and then needs to change it? What other features or functions will you need?[/li][li]Rules - You have largely defined this already, but what are the rules for each function that the program will use to perform its purpose? One time period per person per day, no more than two people in any period. Only an administrator can make changes, etc.[/li][li]Roles - Do you need to assign roles to individuals such as user, administrator, etc.[/li][/ul]
Very few people will attempt to build something like this in its entirety. Generally, you would build it in pieces and add features once the basics are working. In this case, you will want to establish priorities to each component and build them in order of importance. You might start by using a very simple form input and then implement a fancier popup calendar after everything is working.
You mentioned using Dreamweaver. I have Dreamweaver (it came with my Adobe CS bundle), but I personally never use it. I tried when I was first learning html and php, but I truly feel it interfered in my growth and comprehension. I am a big fan of using a simple text-editor or at most, a specialized editor that uses color highlighting to make reading the code easier. I have seen developers that could not produce a simple, usable page without their special applications (read tools). That doesn’t mean it is wrong to use Dreamweaver, or some other equivalent, but be careful not to make it a crutch. Also be aware that these programs almost never produce source code that is as clean as what you can produce on your own with some knowledge and experience.
Hopefully this will help you determine the next step to take. If we can be of help in the process, please feel free to post any questions you have. One thing about this or any other forum: there are good developers with too little confidence and bad developers with too much! Take the time to understand any advice that you are offered and don’t assume that all of it is sound!
Best,
jay
So I guess you’re right about rather go for raw coding instead of a hosting program… I came up with this lunchboard idea to the staff here, and they assigned me this task