How do I create a database

I thought that purchasing the dynamic suite would give me all the tools I needed to build an online shop. That doesn't seem to be the case, because there is no tool to build a database. It was probably my mistake to assume, that DataAssist would be any help building a database. So now I am stuck before I can even begin, because I can't built a mysql-database.

In the getting started guides it does nowhere explain how to create a mysql-database. There is a sample database, but I need my own database geared toward my own needs. I tried getting information from one of the sales persons, but they couldn't provide any useful information.

I am a novice, by all means. So how am I supposed to get my online-shop up without a database?

Sorry about the rant, but this is really frustrating.

So here is my question: How do I create a database??

If you can't build a database you may have trouble building a shop.

If you are using php & have cpanel, log into cpanel, click on the mysql database button then create a new database by giving it a name. Then add a user by giving a name & all rights or privileges if it's you that's accessing it. Once done in cpanel use "php my admin" button to add tables etc. Remember to have an integer ID column that is the primary key that auto increments. Its all in there just read & practice.

Good luck - Chris

If you know what columns and tables you require then send them to me in Excel and I will create the database for you but I suggest that you start learning how to create dynamic webistes using the sample store that is available from WebAssist.

Originally Said By: markdoyle87077

  If you know what columns and tables you require then send them to me in Excel and I will create the database for you but I suggest that you start learning how to create dynamic webistes using the sample store that is available from WebAssist.  

Wow Mark, this is a very kind offer. Thank you so much. I don't have the complete concept yet on which information to include in which form. So I wouldn't want to waste your time with a test version.

I want to learn how to create using dynamic webpages (mostly with the tools offered by ecart). I already know how to create static webpages, but I think dynamic webpages will be much more useful in the long run. My plan was to do the tutorial and simultaneously built a small test version of my own store.

I read your post after I posted my previous post. So am I just mixing up terminology?

If you are just starting out, dont worry about creating your own database until you understand the basics of relational data. Just use the Blue Sky Music database that is included with the eCart Getting Started Guide support files. there is a .sql file provided in the Data Sources that can be used as a starting point for your database with eCart.

You should definitely check out the Database Starter Kit for PHP.
tutorials-and-training/

It is a free interactive training that will guide you through creating databases and understanding how they work.

Originally Said By: Neil Beadle

  You should definitely check out the Database Starter Kit for PHP.
tutorials-and-training/

It is a free interactive training that will guide you through creating databases and understanding how they work.  

Neil, thank you. I will check that out.

I wanted to thank everyone for their help. I finally managed to get a create a database, create a table within and populate it with data. I used phpMyAdmin, which uses MySQL I think. Once I got started it was embarrassingly easy. Anyway, I know understand the purpose of DataAssist, and of course ran into a problem. I am going to post the question in the appropriate category. Thank you again for all your help.

Originally Said By: Jason Byrnes

  If you are just starting out, dont worry about creating your own database until you understand the basics of relational data. Just use the Blue Sky Music database that is included with the eCart Getting Started Guide support files. there is a .sql file provided in the Data Sources that can be used as a starting point for your database with eCart.  

Jason, thank you for your reply. I thought about using the provided sql file, but I don't see how it could help me create my own online shop. I think I need to see my own products to build the shop.

As to database, I still think the terminology is confusing. I do understand the concept of relational data though and its advantages. It is also explained nicely in the book I mentioned about.

I am just off the phone with Apple, and they said FilemakerPro can generate an sql file via export. So maybe that is the solution to my problem. Not cheap though.

Thank you for your response, Chris.

I am very new at this, and I think I am getting the terminology mixed up. As it seems I can create a database using "phpMyAdmin" which is included with MAMP and runs on my Mac.

I guess what I need to do is create the tables, like the sample one provided with ecart. The sample table (or I think it is more than one table) is combined in a document with a file name ending ".sql". It is this document I need to create and then import into my own database.

Thanks to a very good book "Dreamweaver CS3, the missing manual" I was able to create a Database, import the sql-file and connect it with Dreamweaver.

Am I making sense?

Could someone point me into the right direction how to create an sql-file?