Log in forms and registration forms?

[beyond-belief-x]

I'm not sure if I'm in the right place here but can anyone tell me (with little knowledge in this area) very simply what to do for registrations and logging in? I've been looking all over for help in this area but because I don't know a lot about this... everything seems a little too complex for me, can anyone help me? Thanks!

[ray326]

This isn't really hard but it's not trivial. I'd recommend you either use some software (like a BBS or blog or other CMS) that does it as one of its features or hire an experienced developer to do it for you. It takes server side programming to accomplish it.

[beyond-belief-x]

Oh... I really want to do this myself... can anyone help me with a simple explanation?

[TJ111]

If you have a small, non-dynamic user base you could look into using http authentication (http://www.javascriptkit.com/howto/htaccess3.shtml). That is the simplest as it requires almost no scripting, just be careful where you place your passwords. However it won't give you a login form, and users can't log out unless they completely exit their browser.

A better method would be to use "sessions", using a server side language like PHP and storing user data in a database. This is more complicated, as it requires you to learn some PHP and set up a database. There are several tutorials on how to do this, and it is an excellent way to get your foot in the door in regards to server side programming and databases. You have infinitely more control over users, forms, access, and things of that nature. If you've been wanting to learn a server side language, or need more functionality than http authentication allows, this is the way to go.

[beyond-belief-x]

Thanks! Sessions? Erm... Do you know any good tutorials that you can direct me to?

[TJ111]

Try reading these tutorial (http://www.php-mysql-tutorial.com/user-authentication/). The second is probably the option your looking for, but the first one is a good place to start to get the feel for PHP and sessions, the second throws databases into the mix.

When going through the tutorials, don't copy and paste, type everything out by hand. It will help you understand it alot better.

[Dan Williamson]

When going through the tutorials, don't copy and paste, type everything out by hand. It will help you understand it alot better.

Some of the best advice you can give when learning new technologies or languages. I would suggest either learning PHP and how to set up a mySQL Database and how to use it effectively or use ASP.NET and use a Database with that.

Both have their ups and downs, but if your on a Windows Server then you might want to use ASP but if your on a Linux server then you might want to use PHP.

You should look into some mandatory fields as well if you want people to be able to register, such as:



-- Username:
-- Password:
-- Comfirm Password:
-- E-mail Address:
-- Image Verification:
-- Submit:

Most of them are self-explanitory, but the Image Verification helps keep non-humans out of your website such as spam-bots and other idiots which want to spam your registration system or create thousands of users.

[beyond-belief-x]

Thanks for all of your replies! I really appreciate them... I'll give them a go... Thanks!