Joomla or other data driven site?

genny

I need a simple data driven website linked to a couple of flat file databases, for people to visit and search on. I'm not a programmer, (but am ok with html web-design) so I need to see what options are best. People have mentioned Joomla to me, and I've looked into it, and although content driven, I can't find many details about linked to databases. What are the other options, and will I need specific hosting?

MercilessKiller

You would need hosting allowing php/mysql etc..

Joomla is a CMS... so you download the Content management system, install a template, design it so it looks good, then you can install modules and extensions

Google Joomla and then what you want to do with it. MASSIVE community out there.

yummydaddy

The approach you take depends what your data sources are, how they're managed, how often they are updated. etc.

With databases being so common now, you can upload your data into mysql and use php scripts to provide the functionality you want.

You can upload your data into joomlas mysql database and then provide access to it via joomla templates.

HTH

genny

Thanks. There is no current data to import, it'll be added as the site is used, couple of flat file tables, 10-20 fields in each. I'm fine with desktop databases and tables, but never done this as a web page based thing before. As Joomla appears to be mySQL based do I need to do anything/choose a data source, or can the tables be setup in this, and then the fields linked / displayed directly within Joomla? Is this all fairly straightforward or am I going to be setting myself up for a fall. Also does it matter what host I choose providing they can host php/mySql?

yummydaddy

Sorry for the belated reply. I don't get time to visit the forums as much as I would like.

You could setup your tables in mysql, the learning curve is not too steep if you have worked with databases before. Why not download a copy of Joomla for windows/linux and see how you get on? Alternatively google for one the many free joomla hosting services online to evaluate it to see whether it meets your needs. You can manage you content/data/templates using the joomla interface, adding additional modules will be extra.

HTH

Z

amcluesent

Ruby on Rails should be fine for same simple database work.

genny

So is Ruby on Rails better/easier than Joomla? Fine with databases, SQL and table / relational design, but not at all familiar with online databases.