PHP and SQL Server

[tonyeveland]

I want to use PHP and SQL Server and I have a web server which contains both SQL Server 2005 and PHP.

To use PHP with SQL Server, I need to install SQL Server Driver for PHP on my server. This is no problem.

Two questions:

1. I have to have SQL Server Native Client on the server. Is this part of SQL Server 2005 (and I have it) or something I have to add.

2. Do I need to have Windows Azure Platform to use the SQL Server Driver for PHP?

Thanks for your help. I know this is probably pretty basic, but I'm just a humble application developer.

[VideoRipper]

I don't use SQL-Server, but MySQL, but I guess the setup should be nearly

the same for all supported database engines.

First make sure PHP is properly installed: your PHP.INI file should at least

be configured to use (and find) the SQL-driver.

Some settings to take a look at:

• Make sure the extension-directory is correctly set:
  

  
  ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
  ; Paths and Directories ;
  ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
  // SOME LINES REMOVED
  ; Directory in which the loadable extensions (modules) reside.
  ; extension_dir = "./"
  extension_dir = "C:\php\ext\"  <======== Path to drivers
  

  
  

• The correct driver is enabled (remove semi-colon):
  

  
  ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
  ; Dynamic Extensions ;
  ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
  // SOME LINES REMOVED
  ;Windows Extensions
  // SOME LINES REMOVED
  ;extension=php_mssql.dll
  ;extension=php_msql.dll
  extension=php_mysql.dll <======== Remove semi-colon for YOUR driver
  ;extension=php_oci8.dll
  ;extension=php_openssl.dll
  // SOME LINES REMOVED
  

  
  

• See all other options that might need to be set

After that, make sure PHP is configured as an extension in your webserver

(I use Apache, so I don't know how to do that on Windows Server) and restart

the webserver-service (have a lookout for any warnings and errors).

That *should* help you on your way... I hope.

Greetz,

Peter.

Edited July 28, 2010 by VideoRipper

[CoffeeFiend]

I would just use WebPI. It'll install everything for you in a couple clicks, including the latest PHP and SQL Server Express (ready to use) and more.

[VideoRipper]

You see: the easiest answer is always just around the corner

Thanks CoffeeFriend, again I've learned something today.

[tonyeveland]

Coffee,

I have SQL Server 2005, not Express. Will WebPi work with SQL Server 2005?

[CoffeeFiend]

It won't force you to install the latest SQL Server.

Go under the "Web Platform" tab on the left, then under "Database" click "Customize". You'll see the necessary driver listed.