If you want to develop Php programs for this course on your own computer, you will need the following:
There are several ways you can accomplish this:
If you don't have your own computer, you will need to develop your programs using a text editor like notepad, or by using Dreamweaver to do your editing. You will then need to upload the programs to the class server via ftp to test them.
Integrated Development Environments (IDE)
If you want to try an IDE, you can try downloading a version of Eclipse that handles Php. This works well and is free. Optionally, there are several good IDE commercial IDEs for Php, but they all must be purchased.
To download Eclipse, click this link and then select the Windows pdt all-in-one file. That downloads and installs Eclipse with the necessary Php plug-ins.
Another alternative is to download notepad++, an open-source editor that handles php syntax and also can include a built-in ftp connection (add the ftp-synchronize plugin).
On the commercial product side, Dreamweaver handles php and there is also a product called Delphi for Php that is excellent (and has some built-in additional tools). Both of these have educational pricing. Microsoft's Expression Web environment also handles php (version 2 and above).
Testing
If you set up your own test environment, you can test your Php programs on your own computer.
You may also test your programs on other servers if you have access to them (from web providers), however you need to make sure that Php and MySQL are enabled on those servers.
If you do not wish to install your own testing environment, you can use the class server for testing. Ultimately, your projects will need to be uploaded to it anyway, so feel free to use it for intermediate testing. If you choose to do that, just make sure that your final product is the one that executes as of the due date.
Php programs will NOT execute in your pen server webspace.
Uploading Programs to Your Class Server Webspace
For grading, all programs must be uploaded to the class server. This is generally done with an FTP interface, using whatever FTP client you wish, or using the ftp access capabilities built into Dreamweaver or Expression Web (or whatever editor you might be using). You will be given, via WebCT email, a username and password for FTP access. Using those, here is the other information you will need (substitute your username and password where "username" or "password" are indicated):
You will need to set up a home page in your workspace. There is already a blank home page in your workspace on the server. You simply need to edit it or replace it with your own page. Your home page should contain your name, the name of the class, and links to each of the assignments that you have posted, as they are completed. There is a sample student home page already set up for you to look at. You can get as fancy or plain as you want, so long as the requisite information is included there.