Query database with drop down boxes?

[jublack2000]

Hi there,

I first posted this message in the Javascript forum and someone told me javascript wasn't going to help me out... so I figured I would start here and see if anyone can offer any advice.

Here's my original message:

I'm a complete newbie here. I've been searching on the net for a tutorial on how to accomplish this but I don't even know where to start.

I am creating a website for an apartment I own which I'll be renting to tourists. I basically would like it to work like how hotel sites work.

Users can select their check in and check out dates, as well as how many guests, and hit "submit". The next page should return results on if those dates are available or not and pricing based on the number of guests and the dates (i.e. the rates are higher in the winter season).

I was thinking of just using drop down boxes for the users to select their dates and number of guests. Something really simple. From what I've read so far, I figure I'll need to create a database and somehow get that drop down boxes selections to query the database and return the results. It seems easy in theory I just don't know the steps in between.

Is this really hard to do? I'm pretty good with web design, but not a programmer by any means, however I'm willing to tackle the programming myself if I could just find a tutorial or if someone could point me in the right direction.

Do you think this is too advanced of a task (I learn quickly) or should I just hire a programmer?

I know this is a big question, but I really really apreciate any help. Thanks a million.

Sincerely, Juliana

[NogDog]

Find out what server-side languages and databases your web host supports. Then go to your local bookstore or library and spend 15-20 minutes browsing through one or two introductory books (for instance, PHP & MySQL for Dummies). If you find what you see interesting and not intimidating, take the book(s) home and start working through it. If, instead, it makes your head spin and causes feelings of nausea, hire a professional. :) In fact, if your intention is to execute credit card transactions via this site, it may just be a good idea to hire a professional in order to make sure the site and the transactions are adequately secure.

[jublack2000]

Hi NogDog,

Thanks so much for replying. I know that my web host supports php and MySQL because I added a phpBB forum to my website (http://www.doingsuccess.com).

For accepting credit card payments I was thinking of just using a third party service... not PayPal cus I know not everyone can use that, but some other service.. I'll have to look into that further. I just don't want to go the merchant account, security issues, refunds, etc. route.

Are there any resources or tutorials online with php and mysql that anyone knows of? Thanks for the book recommendation though.

Juliana

[NogDog]

Well, you can go right to the sources:

http://www.php.net/manual/en/tutorial.php

http://dev.mysql.com/doc/mysql/en/tutorial.html

Caevat emptor, as I've not used either of these. :)