testing PHP/mySQL

[dzeja]

How can I test pages with php/mySQL on my own computer?
What do I need to do and how do I do it?
Do I need to run a server on my computer?
What is the best method to test it?
Note: I am completely new to php and mySQL.

[Kevin Yank]

Originally posted by dzeja
How can I test pages with php/mySQL on my own computer?
What do I need to do and how do I do it?

This is covered in detail in my article Building a Database-Driven Web Site Using PHP and MySQL on WebmasterBase.com.

Do I need to run a server on my computer?

Yes. You'll need a Web server equipped with PHP, and you'll need a MySQL server. My article above covers the installation of both of these, and I posted a better alternative for Windows users in the forums as well (Installing PHP 4.0 on Sambar Server). Feel free to post back if you run into any problems!

[dzeja]

Would I be able to test it with apache?
How would I do it on linux or windows?

[Kevin Yank]

Originally posted by dzeja
Would I be able to test it with apache?
How would I do it on linux or windows?

Read my article. It covers setting up a PHP-based Web server on either Linux (Apache) or Windows (PWS). The forum post that I refer to above explains how to set up Sambar server (better than PWS, and easier to configure) under Windows.

So you have plenty of options, all of which will work.