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, if you work with a slow USB stick, 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
Discussion
- Selecting the the (skin) should be based on several criteria, at least: usefulness, usability and appropriate looks.
- Discussion about User experience and user experience design
- Explore various wordpress sites, e.g. from https://wordpress.org/showcase/
Things to do in class
- Select a theme: Dashboard -> Appearance -> Themes
- Please configure the theme, including a picture: Use the "Customize your Side" link from the Dashboard.
- Add two static pages and make sure that they show up in a menu
- Add two stories.
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)