1. Information and Introductions

What We Will Cover 1.1: Course Introduction About the Instructor Contact Information: www.edparrish.com Course information Schedule (a.k.a. syllabus) Your Project and Artzy Art Supplies Class Expectations Room Policies College Regulations Roll Call Course Web Pages Site Search and Advanced Search Login and password information Using WebCT Exercise 1.1: Course Questions Break & Add Slips 1.2: Surviving Linux 1.2.1: Starting and Stopping 1.2.2: Browsing Directories 1.2.3: Creating Text Files 1.2.4: Saving to a Floppy Disk Exercise 1.2 1.3: Technology Tour 1.3.1: The Internet 1.3.2: Resolving an Address 1.3.3: URLs 1.3.4: The Web and HTML 1.3.5: PHP Hypertext Processor 1.3.6: Database Systems Exercise 1.3 1.4: Succeeding in This Course 1.4.1: Elements of Success 1.4.2: Using the CTC for Homework Assignments 1.4.3: Can I Run This On My Own Computer? 1.4.4: Summary Exercise 1.4 Wrap Up Due Next: A1: Information Please! (2/15/06) Exercise 1 and Quiz 1 (2/15/06) ^ top Exercise 1.1 Instructions Use the next 10 minutes to complete the following. Join a group of 3-4 people and prepare an answer to one of the following questions. Select one member from your group as a representative to describe your answer to the class. Exercise Questions What "burning questions" do you have about the course outline? What do you hope to learn by the time you complete this course? How do you plan to balance the work required by this course with the other activities in your life? Note: You do not have to turn in the answers to this exercise. However, you are expected to submit answers to subsequent exercises. ^ top 1.2: Surviving Linux Learner Outcomes At the end of the lesson the student will be able to: Start and stop the classroom computers Browse the Linux file system Create text files Save a file to a floppy disk 1.2.1: Starting and Stopping 1.2.2: Browsing Directories 1.2.3: Creating Text Files 1.2.4: Saving to a Floppy Disk ^ top Exercise 1.2 Instructions Use the next 10 minutes to complete the following. Start a text file named exercise1.txt You will be adding to this file during the lesson, so save it often. Prepare the exercise header as described in the HowTo on submitting exercises Label this exercise: Exercise 1.2 Do not submit exercises until all from today's lesson are finished Complete the following exercises and write answers to any questions. Exercises and Questions Save the exercise1.txt file in your home directory. Close your text editor and then restart it. Open the exercise1.txt file and view the contents. Was the file information saved and retrieved correctly? Which disk drive do you select on your classroom computer? Why did you choose to use your particular text editor? How do you run gedit? ^ top 1.3: Technology Tour Learner Outcomes At the end of the lesson the student will be able to: Describe how documents are located on the Internet. In general terms, describe how web applications work Name the software component that is required on the client of any web application. Name the two software components that are usually required on the server of any web application. Distinguish between HTML and HTTP. Distinguish between static web pages and dynamic web pages. Locate the servers running on their computer Describe how the web server, PHP and MySQL interact ^ top 1.3.1: The Internet What is the Internet? Networking is about moving data from one computer to another Internet: a set of networks connected together with routers Routers: special computers that move data between networks All computers on the Internet talk to each other using the Internet Protocol (IP) Brief History of the Internet 1969: Internet started by US DOD with 4 computers -- called ARPANET 1983: Internet (1000 computers) split into two parts -- military and university 1987: High-speed backbone added to solve performance issues (10K computers) 1989: World-Wide Web and HTML invented by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN 1992-3: US Government decides to commercialize Internet 1993: first graphical browser invented by Marc Andreessen While a student at the University of Illinois 1998 - E-commerce becomes a "hot" technology What's My IP Address? Computers need some way of identifying other computers on the Internet Computers can contact each other using what is known as the IP address You can determine the address of your computer on the network On Linux/UNIX, run the ifconfig program Open a command prompt (e.g. Terminal Emulation in Linux) Make sure you are the super user su -l root Type ifconfig at the command prompt On Windows, run the ipconfig program From the Start menu, select Run Type in command for Win98/ME or cmd for NT/2000/XP At the command prompt, type ipconfig ^ top 1.3.2: Resolving an Address An IP Address is like a telephone number Often, a telephone number is not enough to contact someone You also need their telephone extension a port number is like a telephone extension Together they connect you to a unique destination on the Internet Client applications are expected to know the port number Common port numbers include the following: Service Port Number FTP 20, 21 Telnet 23 SMTP (e-mail) 25 HTTP 80 More information on common port numbers available here Names are Easier to Remember When a client sends a request, it usually uses a name for the address Domain Name Server (DNS) is used to resolve the name to an IP address Usually one DNS per subnet, campus or company The Story of Ping Ping is used to test whether or not a networked machine is reachable: C:\>ping www.cabrillo.edu Pinging moose.cabrillo.edu [207.62.187.7] with 32 bytes of data: Reply from 207.62.187.7: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=63 Reply from 207.62.187.7: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=63 Reply from 207.62.187.7: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=63 Reply from 207.62.187.7: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=63 Ping statistics for 207.62.187.7: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss), Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds: Minimum = 1ms, Maximum = 1ms, Average = 1ms Click on the picture Scroll down the page and read the Customer Comments on The Story About Ping ^ top 1.3.3: URLs Uniform Resource Locator (URL): a standard way of specifying an address on the Internet. URLs consist of two main parts separated by a colon Part before the first colon specifies the access scheme or protocol Part after the colon is interpreted according to the access scheme Usually, two slashes after the colon (//) introduce a hostname Hostnames usually end in a top-level domain name, such as .com Hostnames can be followed by a colon and a port number, for example: http://java.sun.com:80/ Usually a port number is omitted and the standard port number is used After the hostname comes the pathname Usually related to the pathname of a file on the server Finding Localhost Servers running on your computer respond to a special IP address of 127.0.0.1 Hostname for a server running at 127.0.0.1 is localhost Can access the web server on your own machine by typing the address: http://localhost Since http:// is assumed by most browsers, you can shorten this to: localhost ^ top 1.3.4: Web Applications Web applications are a set of web pages generated in response to user requests. Users interact with the web application using client software called a web browser. Web servers are programs that provide web documents. Often run on dedicated computers, also known as web servers. Web server software runs constantly in the background waiting for requests. When a request is received, the server locates and sends the requested document. For most web applications, the server computer also runs a database management system (DBMS). How Web Applications Work When you access a file on the Web several steps occur Many of these steps are invisible to the user A user enters a query (URL) into a client (browser) The client connects to server and sends query The server analyzes the query, computes results and respond with information The client receives the results and displays them to the user How Static Web Pages Work Hypertext Markup Language, or HTML, is the language that the web browser converts into the web pages of a web application. A static web page is an HTML document that’s stored in a file and does not change in response to user input. Hypertext Transfer Protocol, or HTTP, is the protocol that web browsers and web servers use to communicate. A web browser requests a page from a web server by sending the server a message known as an HTTP request. For a static web page, the HTTP request includes the name of the HTML file that’s requested. A web server replies to an HTTP request by sending a message known as an HTTP response back to the browser. For a static web page, the HTTP response includes the HTML document. How Dynamic Web Pages Work A dynamic web page is an HTML document that’s generated by a web application. Often, the web page changes according to parameters that are sent to the web application by the web browser. When a web server receives a request for a dynamic web page, the server passes the request to the web application. Then, the application generates a response, which is usually an HTML document, and returns it to the web server. The web server, in turn, wraps the generated HTML document in an HTTP response and sends it back to the browser. The browser doesn't know or care whether the HTML was retrieved from a static HTML file or was dynamically generated by the web application. Either way, the browser displays the HTML document that is returned. ^ top 1.3.5: PHP as the Web Application Software Web applications require special software that runs on the server This server-side application software is responsible for: Generating the HTML documents for the client Connecting the application to the database In this course, we will use PHP as the application software PHP Hypertext Processor PHP is a programming language that can run on a Web server Running on the Web server provides several advantages: Processing is done in a known environment, unlike Javascript Avoids many browser incompatibilities by returning "standard" HTML Can tailor HTML and client-side script to a browser type Can isolate common page elements in one file to apply changes everywhere Can connect to databases to take advantage of their power Many server-side technologies developed -- including PHP PHP stands for PHP Hypertext Processor Brief History of PHP 1994 - Rasmus Lerdorf created PHP Used it to keep track of who was looking at his online resume 1995 - Other people started using PHP 1997 - About 50,000 users of PHP world-wide with many contributors 2000 - PHP 4 released 2002 - Most popular scripting language on the Web 2005 - PHP 5 released Advantages of PHP Easy to use Simplifies building web applications Similar syntax to languages such as Perl, C and C++ Also easy for non-programmers to learn Open source Available for free download over the Internet Has a large user community for support and ongoing development Program source code is available to view and change Runs on multiple platforms UNIX/Linux Windows Supports many database systems including MySQL Determining What is Popular Web documents have a suffix that identifies their type to the Web server home.html Scripting languages use that suffix to identify themselves Server-Scripting Language Suffix Active Server Pages .asp, .aspx ColdFusion .cfm Java Server Pages .jsp PHP Hypertext Processor .php, .php3, .phtml Can use a search engine to find the number of pages on the Web for each type For example: Alta Vista: url:php Google: allinurl:php ^ top 1.3.6: Database Systems About Databases Database is an organized collection of logically-related data Data are numbers, characters, sounds or images that can be stored in a computer for processing or transmitting Information is the knowledge obtained from processing the data Data is organized so a computer can quickly select desired pieces of data Many types of database software File-based systems: widely-used for simple data sets (e.g. spreadsheets, text-files) Relational database systems: most widely used general-purpose database Object-oriented systems: less widely used Database Management Systems (DBMS) provide tools to work with databases Creating and removing databases Adding, deleting and updating data Controlling user access to data DBMS is also responsible for: Ensuring data is stored properly and that the rules for defining data are not violated Maintaining relationships between data entities residing in the database Providing some level of disaster recovery by which data can be restored to a consistent state Note that "database" is often used as a synonym for DBMS Must understand in context About MySQL DBMS we will use for this course is called MySQL Pronounced "my-sequel" or "my-es-que-el" MySQL web site (http://www.mysql.com/) provides latest information Links page provides various links to MySQL documentation and downloads Why did the instructor choose MySQL? Cost Most database vendors charge $5,000-$50,000+ fee By contrast, MySQL is available free for GPL open source applications Can purchase support or a commercial license if desired Speed and Reliability Speed: MySQL is one of the fastest databases available (more...) For a comparison with the giants, see Server Databases Clash For another viewpoint, see: Flying with Oracle and MySQL: Benchmarking Performance Popularity Estimated 4 million active installations worldwide (more...) Users include: NASA Slashdot State of Rhode Island Texas Instruments U.S. Census Bureau Yahoo! Finance Check out the polls at epinions.com Locating phpMyAdmin Since this course uses PHP, how are we going to communicate with MySQL? Good example of a PHP application is phpMyAdmin Links page provides various links to phpMyAdmin documentation and downloads phpMyAdmin located on our computers at: localhost/phpmyadmin ^ top Exercise 1.3 With your partner, take 10 minutes to complete the following: Label this exercise: Exercise 1.3 Do not submit exercises until all of them from today's lesson are finished Complete the following exercises and answer any questions. Exercises and Questions How are computers identified on the internet? List four URLs you can type into the address bar to access the localhost web server running on your computer. Why would a Web-application developer use a database to store information? Write one "50 point test question" combining the following topics: The Internet The Web and HTML Web Servers PHP Databases ^ top 1.4: Succeeding in This Course Learner Outcomes At the end of the lesson the student will be able to: Describe how to study effectively for this course Use computers in the CTC for homework Install software used in this course at home ^ top 1.4.1: Elements of Success Main purpose of grading is to motivate you to learn the course material Secondary purpose is to evaluate how well you completed the course work Not the same as how well you know the material Also must complete the course work on time Can look at the grading policies to analyze what must be done to succeed In-Class Exercises Complete them during the allotted time in class Discuss them with partners or the instructor Especially if you get stuck or confused Submit them to WebCT before you leave the classroom Can always unsubmit if you want to change them during the week Ensures that something is turned in on time Graded on a best-effort basis Full credit for just attempting to complete the exercise Homework Assignments Homework designed to have you apply the lecture concepts in more detail Also designed to have you explore ideas in more depth Homework includes assignments, quizzes and reading Average homework time expected of an "A" student: 9 hours on assignments 3 hours on reading and quizzes If you get stuck on an assignment: Reread the assignment instructions Review the lecture notes Read the textbook Contact the instructor Submit homework to WebCT at least the day before it is due Even if you are not done, turn it in Get credit for what you did complete Make sure to state an accurate status in the README.txt file Note that homework deadlines are real -- late homework is not accepted Most homework has extra credit possibilities Project Choose a project that interests you Throughout the course you will work on your project Most homework assignments apply toward your project Quizzes Most weeks, you will have the opportunity to take a quiz Covers the previous lessons and homework assignments Preparing for a quiz is quite straightforward Use the same approach as the instructor Quizzes are based on the learner outcomes Quizzes try to determine whether you can do what the learner outcomes call for Most of the time I will have a set of review questions Make sure you can answer the review questions before taking the quiz ^ top 1.4.2: Using the CTC for Homework Assignments First you will need to get an account You can use either Linux or Windows computers for your assignments CTC set up like the class room with dual-boot computers For more information on the CTC, follow the link to the CTC homepage ^ top 1.4.3: Can I Run This On My Own Computer? All the technology we use runs on most any computer Web server such as Apache PHP scripting language MySQL database management system phpMyAdmin: Web-based MySQL administrator An easy method way to install at home is to use a Linux distribution such as Red Hat Install Apache and PHP along with the operating system Will still need to install phpMyAdmin Otherwise, easiest method is to use one of the following installation kits Note that we will be using PHP version 4.2.2 in the classroom Even though PHP 5.0 has been release, most ISP's still offer only version 4.X Linux Installation Kits Apache Friends XAMPP: www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-linux.html ApacheToolbox: www.apachetoolbox.com/ Windows Installation Kits: Apache Friends XAMPP: www.apachefriends.org/wampp-en.html BigApache: www.bigapache.org/ EasyPHP: www.easyphp.org/index.php3?lang=en Firepages: www.firepages.com.au/devindex.htm Foxserv: www.foxserv.net/ WinMySQLadmin login and password is the PHPmyAdmin login and password PHPPerl: phperl2.sourceforge.net/download.php?sub=2.3.1 Mac OS X Installation The best choice is: WebServerX Kit You might try: Apache Friends XAMPP: www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-linux.html A recent install guide: Mac OS X Installation Guide Several articles: Apache Web-Serving with Mac OS X: www.onlamp.com/pub/ct/49 ^ top 1.4.4: Summary Four elements to success in this course Submit the in-class exercises Do your homework assignments and turn them in on time Choose a project that interests you Review before you take a quiz You can complete homework assignments in the CTC You can also install the necessary software at home (or work) ^ top Exercise 1.4 Instructions: Use the next 10 minutes to complete the following. Label this exercise: Exercise 1.4 Do not submit exercises until all of them from today's lesson are finished Complete the following exercises and write answers to any questions. Exercises and Questions List the elements of success for this course What is the average time you can expect to spend outside the classroom on this course? Where do you plan to work on your programming assignments? ^ top Wrap Up Reminders Due Next: A1: Information Please! (2/15/06) Exercise 1 and Quiz 1 (2/15/06) When class is over, please shut down your computer You may complete unfinished exercises any time before the next class. Instructions on submitting exercises are available from the HowTo's page. Review Questions When are assignments due? How do you start and stop the computers in the classroom? How do you create text files using Linux? What software is needed on a client computer to use a web application? What software components are usually required on the server of any web application? How do you locate documents on the Internet? What is the difference between HTML and HTTP? What is the difference between static and dynamic web pages? How should students prepare for a quiz? What do you need to do to install the software for this course at home? ^ top Home | WebCT | Announcements | Course info | Expectations | Schedule Project | Help | FAQ's | HowTo's | Links Last Updated: February 08 2006 @17:17:37