Best program to learn PHP + MySQL in?

[B1gMac]

I'm fairly strong at creating websites in xhtml and css, but now I'm trying to learn PHP and MySQL to start making more sophisticated websites. I am just about to start the 'PHP with MySQL Essential Training' video class from Lynda.com, and I am wondering what mac program would be best to learn in. I have Dreamweaver CS4 (my school gave me a liscense), but I was wondering if it is better to learn in some of the other programs I've heard of more 'advanced' coders using (like BBedit, textwrangler, others?).

So, what would you recommend I use? Keep in mind that I will eventually want to create full websites in the program, so it should hopefully be good at managing multiple pages (i.e. not textedit).

Thanks

 

[angelwatt]

NetBeans would be one free option to check out. It has good syntax highlighting to help you find errors and can connect to MySQL to view data within the program itself. It can be a bit bloated and a memory hog though so it has that downside.

I use BBEdit for pretty much everything, but the free TextWrangler version would be good enough for you most likely. TextMate is another popular option. Be sure to check the stickies for other recommendations. This is a very common topic so there's plenty to find via MRoogle.

 

[BertyBoy]

Any text editor with a syntax checker would do. All those you have mentioned are excellent. I use Komodo Edit - the free version. Could be a bit slow on my old dual G4, but flies on my dual G5.

The lynda.com course is an excellent course. Really. They also have a Beyond The Basics, well worth it too. It shamed me into coding OO PHP as it should be done. It also makes me cringe when I see really poor PHP written by others on forums and in books - and most of it is really poor.