Online shop decisions

[JoolzB]

For some reason I've offered a friend some help to set up an online shop and have the following questions.

1) Languages
I'm pretty much ok with asp but some of the hosts we've been looking at are PHP, is this an easy language to pick up quickly?

2) Database
We're considering MySQL but again have never used it so I'm not too sure, are there any good interfacing tools around?

3) Shopping cart
It's unlikely that people will buy lots of items, is it better/easier to go with a PHP-MySql one or go client side javascript.

4) Payment methods
This will probably be PayPal or WorldPay but any other suggestions would be welcome. Also how easy it is to interface with them and tie up PayPal references to orders in a db.

cheers all

JoolzB

[BliarOut]

PHP/MySQL is the dogs IMHO.... If you use DW, it's even automated for you. There are also loads of really helpful sites and example scripts to get you up and running. The guys over at www.phpfreaks.com often help dig me out of a hole

There will be occasions when you might need the odd JS function, but all in all I rate it.

[docevi1]

Why re-invent the wheel?

www.oscommerce.com has all you need, just make sure modify the way it looks enough to ensure it doesn't have that generic "theres another install" look about it.

>> Edited by docevi1 on Saturday 9th April 11:15

[JoolzB]

Cheers chaps for the links. I'll take a look at the oscommerce stuff as it looks pretty neat.

[Pigeon]

Couple of other tips...

- Make sure that the online shop can be browsed without registering and with cookies disabled. Only require registering for actually ordering something from it. IE. make it work as similarly as possible to browsing an advert or a real shop.

- Be more flexible in accepting payment methods. Accept debit and credit cards, not just PayPal, and provide a postal address for traditional payment methods.