What script should I attempt first?

Question

I've just got started with the basics (as well as a few intermediate aspects) of HTML, CSS and PHP. What is a good starting point to practice these 3 languages?

I was thinking of writing a URL shortening script but I was wondering if anyone here might have a better idea.

I am looking to develop something that would help me broaden my knowledge of the above 3 languages, but it shouldn't be too advanced that I wouldn't even know how to start it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Whatever you write, if you allow users to input anything, prepared for it to get spammed and hacked mercilessly as soon as it goes live.

Therefore I'd suggest starting with something where you don't give end users any input ability. Something like an image gallery, or a CMS where you as the site admin can create the content, but end users only get to see the finished pages.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you could write a guestbook app, or something like that, but be warned that you'll have to learn quickly all the security aspects of allowing end user input. You'll need to learn how to block spam, avoid SQL injection attacks, prevent cross-site scripting attacks, and a whole bunch of other stuff.

That's all important stuff to know about, but perhaps best left to your second project rather than your first.

Answer 2

Some common beginner tasks are:

- image gallery
- message board
- phone book
- simple forum

These simple projects will allow you to get accustomed to the languages and prepare you for the next steps: security, optimization, user experience, and maybe other.

I recommend trying something very simple at first and finishing it. Only after that you should start something bigger, or better still improve on your first project.