Morning Session 2: Odd Bedfellows - Making Sense of PHP on Windows with MySQL and SQL Server

Rarely is it quite so apropos to use the word "apropos" to describe something, but this session definitely fits our situation.

Morning Session 2: Odd Bedfellows - Making Sense of PHP on Windows with MySQL and SQL Server
Andrew Brust

PHP is popular, cheaper, easier than .NET. Runs on anything.
Argues that platforms like Drupal and Joomla are actually the biggest drivers.
Can coexist, though...works on IIS (esp IIS7 and PHP 5.3) and can work well w/ SQL Server. PHP 5.3 first version that is highly optimized for Windows, but not yet ready for SQL Server.
Want to have FastCGI on server (built in on IIS7, extension on 5 and 6).

Extensions are easy to add and use, although it's sorta that debate over whether or not the fact that you CAN get an extension makes up for the fact that you HAVE TO get an extension. I flip flop on this argument I know -- I love Firefox.

MySQL engines: MyISAM or InnoDB. MyISAM is faster but does not support transactions...flip flop for InnoDB
As expected, SQL drivers very similar to MySQL ones. Note that MS's MSSQL driver only works with PHP5 and on Windows.

OK, so this presentation was not really what I thought it was going to be. It was definitely more focused on showing the good parts about PHP rather than the challenges of running it alongside .NET or communication between the two. This is not a bad thing -- there's a lot good about PHP. I will say that I at least found out a little for myself -- stuff Milhko probably knew -- about the challenges and requirements for getting PHP up on Windows.