=======================================
This message is for the benefit of new subscribers
and those new to PHP. Please feel free to add
more points and send to the list.
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1. If you have any queries/problems about PHP try
http://www.php.net/manual/en first. You can
download a copy and use it offline also.

Please also try http://www.php.net/manual/faq.php
to get answers to frequently answered questions
about PHP (added by Christophe Chisogne).

2. Try http://www.google.com next. Searching for
"php YOUR QUERY" may fetch you relevant results
within the first 10 results, if you are lucky.

3. There is a searchable archive of the mailing
list discussion at
http://phparch.com/mailinglists. Many of the
common topics are discussed repeatedly, and you
may get answer to your query from the earlier
discussions.

For example: One of the repeatedly discussed
question in the list is "Best PHP editor".
Everyone has his/her favourite editor.
You can get all the opinions by going through the
list archives. If you want a chosen list try this
link : http://phpeditors.linuxbackup.co.uk/
(contributed by Christophe Chisogne).

4. Not sure if PHP is working or you want find out
what extensions are available to you?

Just put the following code into a file with a
..php extension and access it through your
webserver:

<?php
phpinfo();
?>

If PHP is installed you will see a page with a lot
of information on it. If PHP is not installed (or
not working correctly) your browser will try
to download the file.

(contributed by Teren and reworded by Chris W
Parker)

5. If you are stuck with a script and do not
understand what is wrong, instead
of posting the whole script, try doing some
research yourself. One useful trick is to print
the variable/sql query using print or echo
command and check whether you get what you
expected.

After diagnosing the problem, send the details of
your efforts (following steps 1, 2 & 3) and ask
for help.

6. PHP is a server side scripting language.
Whatever processing PHP does takes
place BEFORE the output reaches the client.
Therefore, it is not possible to access the
users' computer related information (OS, screen
size etc) using PHP. You need to go for
JavaScript and ask the question in a JavaScript
list.

On the other hand you can access the information
that is SENT by the user's browser when a client
requests a page from your server. You can
find details about browser, OS etc as reported by
this request. - contributed by Wouter van Vliet
and reworded by Chris W Parker.

7. Provide a clear descriptive subject line. Avoid
general subjects like "Help!!", "A Question" etc.
Especially avoid blank subjects.

8. When you want to start a new topic, open a new
mail composer and enter the mailing list address
php-general@lists.php.net instead of replying to
an existing thread and replacing the subject and
body with your message.

9. It's always a good idea to post back to the
list once you've solved your problem. People
usually add [SOLVED] to the subject line of their
email when posting solutions. By posting your
solution you're helping the next person with the
same question. [contribued by Chris W Parker]

10. Ask smart questions
http://catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
[contributed by Jay Blanchard)

Hope you have a good time programming with PHP.

Best regards,

--
Integrated Management Tools for leather industry
----------------------------------
http://www.leatherlink.net

Ma Siva Kumar,
BSG LeatherLink (P) Ltd,
Chennai - 600106