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Ask HN: I want to write a simple webapp, how should I start?

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Ask HN: I want to write a simple webapp, how should I start?

#1

Post by jagermo »

First of all, thanks for reading this, you probably have read it many times before.

So, here is what I want to do: I want to index some of my magazines. My webapp should have a search field, where I can type in a single phrase or look up complete issues.

I know that I need a database in the backend for this (that I need to populate).

But since I have no experience in developing (neither web nor other) and only possess a "dangerous half knowledge), I'd thought I ask your advice.

Which road should I start on? PHP + MySQL would be the first to come into my mind, but since I'm a clean slate, would it make sense to start with something completley different (and maybe as accessible)?

Thanks for taking the time to read and answer, looking forward to your input.

Re: Ask HN: I want to write a simple webapp, how should I start?

#4

Post by coreymaass »

It depends on your motivation. Do you want the tool? Or do you want the experience of building it? Is it just for you, or do you want/hope/expect other people to use it?

If it's just for you, and you just want the tool, use a google spreadsheet.

If it's just for you, and you want the experience of building it, then create a simple PHP script, and use a flat file to store your magazines.

If your hope is to build a "real" web app, with user accounts and all that, then you've got a lot of choices. Start with a list of features and functionality you want in your app, and put them in order of priority (including "user signs in", "user recovers password", etc). Choose a technology, and start piecing together those features. Use stack overflow, and find communities for the technology you've chosen. Ask for help often. Take your time, and have fun.

Re: Ask HN: I want to write a simple webapp, how should I start?

#5

Post by tehwebguy »

Try Base Rails: https://www.baserails.com

It's not free, but you can run through at least one of their full blown web app tutorials in less than a month so you'll only pay $25.

I've been helping a friend who is trying to learn to build webapps and this has been his favorite resource so far.

Re: Ask HN: I want to write a simple webapp, how should I start?

#8

Post by jagermo »

coreymaass wrote: post #4

It depends on your motivation. Do you want the tool? Or do you want the experience of building it? Is it just for you, or do you want/hope/expect other people to use it? If it's just for you, and you just want the tool, use a google spreadsheet. If it's just for you, and you want the experience of building it, then create a simple PHP script, and use a flat file to store your magazines. If your hope is to build a "re…

Thanks.

It's just for me, I was hoping to use it as a kind of springboard to get into coding. I used a few of the ressources (including Learn XX in XX days), but I think I'll learn best, if I have something to work on.

So I'll probably go for the real web app part, just to learn. It'll be ugly, probably, but hey :)

Re: Ask HN: I want to write a simple webapp, how should I start?

#9

Post by jagermo »

techaddict009 wrote: post #3

If you want to go up with PHP then better use Laravel + Mysql or Postgresql. And if you want to learn you can opt for laracast.com videos. They are one of the best resource for laravel. P.S Laravel is one of the best PHP based framework.

Thanks for the answer, I haven't thought of using a framework. Looks interesting. Any downsides to using a framework?
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