COAP:COAP-3110/week4

Week 4 learning goals

• Initial configuration of WordPress
• Theme selection
• Relational dabase principles, including looking at the table structure of Wordpress (if time left)
• (more .... TBA)

Monday Part I

... finishing the basic installation, preparation of next steps

Hands on- Worpress installation

• In principle, each participant does have a running wordpress

Installation problems:

• Wrong database name
• Wrong database user and/or password name
• file permissions (will happen when you move to a provider, change permissions)

Apache/PHP configuration:

Your web server and PHP configuration may have "low values" for execution time, memory use and upload file size. In particular, installation procedures may require more time. You can edit these values in the configuration files that you can get in the XAMPP console:

• Not enough memory for PHP (php.ini)

memory_limit = 256M

• Not enough execution time, often due to slow memory stick/computer. You may need as much as 600 seconds)

max_execution_time = 600

• File upload size must be changed in both Apache and PHP in in several places, e.g. see this stackoverflow Q/A

Hands on - Selecting themes and configuring the layout

• Selecting the them (skin) should be based on several criteria, at least usefulness, usability and appropriate looks.
• Discussion about User experience and user experience design

== Monday Part II - Term project and web hosting

Hands on - Identify a provisional project

Identify a subject for your term project (you will be allowed to change)

• Read COAP 3110/term project
• Identify a type of project you would like to implement
• Find 3 good examples (preferably based on WordPress)
• Discuss their features (functionality) and design in class

PHP/MySQL/Apache hosting

Be prepared to move you sever from the USB stick to a hosting company (ca. week 6 or 7)

Free hosting exists (see below). Prices for low cost hosting start around 3 Euros / month, but you have to add fees for a domain name to that if you want your own.

Well-known free (read the fine print)

• Host-ed (free, without domain name)
• AwardSpace (free, without domain name)
• 000webhost (free, without domain name). Test site used by the instructor: http://coap3110.comuf.com/

You can search the web for alternatives, e.g. read TechRadar, but be careful. Cross-check information about a provider.

Well-known cheap, HostGator is best according to PC Mag

• HostPapa (3 Euros/month)
• GoDaddy ($4-5 / month)
• Hostgator (3.5$ / month), also cheap dedicated hosting for $80/month

Recommended local (Geneva, Switzerland)

• Infomaniak (10 CHF / month). Probably one of the best in that range (quality/speed)
• HostPoint (10CHF/month, 30 day trial)

Domain name registration

• Most hosting companies will provide that service
• You many check if they are accredited with ICANN (i.e. first-level registrars)