PHP3 Installation

Installing PHP3

There are two different ways to install PHP3 v3.0.12 on a Virtual Server. The best way is to install it as a Dynamic Module.

NOTE: While PHP3 is available for our FreeBSD Virtual Servers, it is unavailable with our Solaris Virtual Servers. Please use PHP4 instead if you have a Solaris Virtual Server.

Which Version of PHP3 do I install?
Within each version of PHP, there are several "builds" to choose from. A build consists of PHP's core features--which are found in every build--and some optional additional features, such as database support, on-the-fly image creation, and encryption.

Bottom Line: You should choose the build that best suits your needs but at the same time does not add unnecessary overhead to your web server.

Example 1: if you plan on using PHP to transfer files between computers, or to use TWIG to access your email, you'll want to choose a PHP build that includes ftp, imap, and the database backend you're using for TWIG in the build name.

 
      mod_php3-3.0.16-module-msql-mcrypt-ftp-imap.so

Example 2: If you want to use PHP chiefly to access a PostgreSQL database, but not build images on the fly, choose a PHP build with pgsql but without freetype and gd in the build name.

 
      mod_php3-3.0.16-module-pgsql.so

By selecting the PHP build carefully, you will maximize your virtual server's memory use as well as improve the performance of your Apache Web Server.

Installation as a Dynamic Module
This involves installing the mod_php apache dynamic modules. Instructions for this are here.

Installation with CGI Redirect
The other way to install PHP3--as a CGI to which PHP3 files are redirected by the web server--is shown below.

Connect to your Virtual Server via Telnet or SSH and change to your home directory:

Install the PHP3 software using the command below:

% vinstall php

NOTE: These PHP3 CGI builds are also available.

% vinstall php-msql
% vinstall php-mysql
% vinstall php-pgsql

Modify the DirectoryIndex line of your ~/www/conf/httpd.conf file so that index.php3 files will be included as directory indices.

DirectoryIndex index.php3 index.cgi index.html index.htm
Add the following lines to your ~/www/conf/httpd.conf file so that all files with .php3 and .phtml extensions will be redirected to the PHP3 CGI executable:

SEE ALSO:

About PHP

Installing PHP3 as a Dynamic Module

About mSQL

About mySQL

About PostgreSQL

CGI Scriptorium

Server Add-ons

BOOKS TO HELP YOU:

Building Database Applications on the Web Using PHP3

PHP Pocket Reference

Php3: Programming Browser-Based Applications

Professional Php Programming

PHP3 and MySQL Web Development