MySQL to PHP to XCode?

Question

I would like to clear my doubts in hooking up of MySQL database with XCode. My application would need to retrieve data from MySQL as there would be a login screen. As such, in order for me to retrieve data from my database, there is a need for me to create a database using MySQL and connect it using PHP and then connect PHP to XCode?

I am a greenhorn in application developing but I am tasked to do it for my school.

I would need great help in creating a PHP in connecting MySQL(it would be good if its steps-by-steps guide). I would really truly appreciate your kind generous reply.

Thank you in advance!

Solution 1

It is very simple to connect to a MySQL database with PHP. There are a couple of APIs for this, mysql and mysqli. Mysqli is probably the better one to use, but mildly denser. The Mysql one works like this:

$db = mysql_connect("host:port", "username", "paswword");

mysql_select_db("my_db", $db);

# say we want to select everything from the table Persons
$result = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM Persons");

while ($row = mysql_fetch_array($result))
{
   # do your magic
   # columns are accessed in a zero based array
   # such as $row[0], $row[1], etc. 
   # look at mysql_fetch_assoc to see how to access
   # using the column names
}

mysql_close($db);

There's what looks like an older but still valid W3c tutorial here and the MySQL PHP API reference there. To learn about the API differences read the Overview of the MySQL PHP drivers.

As the other answers have stated you'll want the PHP to output something like JSON or XML to communicate with your app and the XCode.

Solution 2

This tutorial follows the whole process through step by step from creating a web service to implementing the web service in your app. I found it super easy to follow.

Part 1: http://www.raywenderlich.com/2941/how-to-write-a-simple-phpmysql-web-service-for-an-ios-app

Part 2: http://www.raywenderlich.com/2965/how-to-write-an-ios-app-that-uses-a-web-service

Solution 3

It sounds like you need some sort of WebService. What you can do is just create your PHP pages and let them output a set format (say JSON or XML). Then in your Obj-C application just do the webrequests and parse the results.

There might be some existing solutions which you can use, Webservice is the keyword here.

Comments

[Jasmine]

so are you able to come out with the webservice? By hook or by crook, I would need it out by the end of this month :(