When I first started learning HTML 2 1/2 years ago, I wrote everything in raw code. I did that for a whole year. Great training. Then a year and a half ago, I bought Dreamweaver. A great HTML editor. Made things a lot quicker. And if I need to tweak a page, I know how to get around in HTML.

As I embark to learn PHP, I plan on writing everything out manually, duplicating the learning experience I had with HTML. But here's my question. When you folks write PHP code, do you use a PHP editor? There must be some editors out there that do the same for PHP. If so, what do you use? I wouldn't mind looking at what's out there so that I can figure out what I plan to use when the time comes.

Vito

This question gets asked atleast once a month, try preforming a search for "php editor" or "php IDE"

I've used Edit Plus (http://www.editplus.com/), jedit (http://www.jedit.org/), and php coder (http://www.phpide.de/) . I prefer php coder over the others, but they're all good in they're own right.

Edit Plus/Note Pad all the way.

I use Dreamweaver MX - Code View :)

Thanks, folks.

Lippy, sorry. Since the Programming forum is fairly new here, it never occurred to me to do a search. But you're right. There are a couple of threads that cover this topic extensively. I'll take a look at all the suggestions.

Vito

no apologie required, just trying to let you know the search would turn up some good results as I have seen a good amount of threads asking about it and I myself have also looked into the same question lightly, haven't decided which to go with yet.

Take a look at
http://ka-region.hut.ru/php/index.php?action=view&cat=Editors

Originally posted by Jtru
php coder (http://www.phpide.de/) . I prefer php coder over the others, but they're all good in they're own right. [/B]

PHP coder works great for me too. My choice for now.

Any of you guys know PHP Ed from NuSphere??

That's what I use since a year now, I actually like it alot except for a couple thing or two. Its mainly just like Visual Studio for those that know it.

The one thing I like the most is the ability to 'run' my scripts right away from the editor, and not have to load up the page where my script it saved (which is how I guess people using notepad/dreamweaver or other plain text editors work).

I use EditPlus, when coding in php you dont need much requirements, theres no WYSIWYG editor for php, (what i know of, not as dreamweaver for html anyway).
I use Editplus for its syntax highlightning, making it easier to
see the code. Thats whats most important, ofcourse it takes time loading up and down your file via ftp to check if it works, but if you cant afford an PHP editor with inbuilt preview. Then i suggest just download apache and php, and voila you just need to save the file in the editor and hit refresh on your browser.

But im about to sell my PC for a Mac, so i can test that BBEDIT out or whats it called, it seems tasty.

Thanks for all the info. One more question to clarify. When writing HTML in raw code, if making a table, I manually type the entire code including cellpadding, border, etc. In Dreamweaver, I just click Insert Table and it automatically inserts that formatting code for me. Pretty easy (and quick).

With PHP editors, are you afforded the same luxury when adding "standard" or "commonly used" elements to your script?

Vito

The most php editors, then you will not have the luxury, you need to type everything in by yourself.
Theres so many different ways you can add a table in php code, inside a loop, echo, print, normal html code etc.

But you could always just include a file that has a function draw_table($var,$var,$var) making it much easier if you need plenty of them at one site.

I used templates since day 1. I learned programming in other languages before I ever got into php, and its funny cause I never got it why ppl want to print HTML code using echo or print or whatever.

Its like a rule of thumb in most software design concepts, separate the appearance from the code. Usually you have separate classes for GUI stuff and other classes for the application code itself.

That's y I the first thing i've done is learn to use a template class (lots of them are already pre-made and downloadable for free). Once that's done, I never have to mix my HTML stuff with the PHP. Its alot easier especially for tables and forms IMHO. Plus I can change the stuff around fast, or even make myself some class to output my pages sharing common and redundant parts.

Yeah ofcourse, templates can be a miracle for some.
But on my pages i cant use em, theres no need for em as for heavily dynamic complex php sites where every html code are generated on current settings from php/mysql are saying.

but for sites that only have php codes like include news and date somewhere here and there, then templates are the dream.

html kit i say!! html kit :)

kunal

Edit PLus / DreamWeaver MX :D

PHPEdit is one sweet little editor. Once you get the debugger working right (hint, it doesn't display the output by default, you have to View->Debugger->Output), you are golden. Love the templating system, quickmark, AWESOME context help system... blah blah... It's great. It's better than cats. You'll use it again, and again.

Jake

I highly recommend phped. Works for a lot of things. I believe it's free.

php coder or dreamweaver... both do exactly what I need. I think dreamweavers syntax popup for a majority of the php functions comes in handy as well cause theres always gonna be a few that get the order of parameters messed up.