PHP Coding Tools

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Before you start coding PHP, you need an editor to write, edit, and save your scripts. You could use Notepad, but other editors are available, with features such as syntax color coding and debugging. These are discussed in the following sections.

PHP Edit

An open -source editor, PHP Edit features PHP syntax color coding, debugging, function and object reference, and much more.

Further information and downloads for PHP Edit are available at http://www.phpedit.com/.

Macromedia HomeSite

Macromedia HomeSite is an HTML editor that has support for ASP, ColdFusion, and PHP. Color coding support is native to HomeSite, but other features, such as syntax reference, are available only from third parties.

Further information and a trial download are available at http://www.macromedia.com/software/homesite/.

Macromedia HomeSite third-party PHP add-ons are available at http://www.wilk4.com/asp4hs/php4hs.htm.

ActiveState Komodo

Available for both Windows and Linux systems, ActiveState Komodo is a commonly used editor. Support for PHP is provided directly from within the product via syntax color coding and remote debugging.

Further information and downloads for ActiveState Komodo are available at http://www.activestate.com/Products/Komodo/.

Zend IDE

A Java-based IDE, this tool features syntax color coding as well as powerful remote debugging features. Further information and a trial download for Zend IDE are available at http://www.zend.com/store/products/zend-ide.php.

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