Build your own Random Quote Generator with PHP and MySQL

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Creating the MySQL Database
3. Inserting Data into the Database
4. Connecting to the Database
5. Looping through the Data Array
6. Escaping Special Characters
7. Accessing the Quote and Author
8. Writing the SQL Statement
9. Executing the SQL Statement
10. Verifying the Inserted Records

Creating a MySQL Database and Inserting Data into it

In this article, we will learn how to create a MySQL database and insert data into it. We will be using a random code generator to collect quotes from the website Goodreads. The quotes will be stored in a MySQL database along with the author name and tag name.

1. Introduction

In this section, we will provide an overview of the topic and what the article will cover. We will explain the purpose of creating a MySQL database and inserting data into it.

2. Creating the MySQL Database

Here, we will discuss the steps to create a MySQL database. We will explain how to connect to the MySQL database using the command prompt and create a new database called "quotes".

3. Inserting Data into the Database

In this section, we will explain how to create a table in the "quotes" database. We will define the structure of the table and its columns, including the unique identifier (ID), quote, author, and tag.

4. Connecting to the Database

Here, we will provide the necessary PHP code to connect to the MySQL database. We will set the host, user, password, and database name to establish a connection.

5. Looping through the Data Array

In this section, we will demonstrate how to loop through the data array that contains the quotes, author names, and tags. We will use a foreach loop to iterate over the tags and a standard for loop to access the quote and author values.

6. Escaping Special Characters

Here, we will discuss the importance of escaping special characters before inserting them into the MySQL database. We will use the real_escape_string function to ensure that any special characters are properly handled.

7. Accessing the Quote and Author

In this section, we will show how to access the quote and author values from the data array. We will use the counter variable from the for loop to retrieve the specific quote and author for each iteration.

8. Writing the SQL Statement

Here, we will explain how to construct the SQL statement for inserting the records into the MySQL database. We will define the table name and the columns (quote, author, and tag) along with the corresponding values.

9. Executing the SQL Statement

In this section, we will execute the SQL statement using the MySQLi query function. We will provide error handling in case the insertion fails and display the appropriate error message.

10. Verifying the Inserted Records

Here, we will verify if the records have been successfully inserted into the MySQL database. We will use MySQL workbench to connect to the database and select the "quotes" table. We will check if all the quotes, along with the author and tag names, have been properly inserted.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to create a MySQL database and insert the collected quotes into it. This process will allow you to store and manage the data effectively, providing easy access whenever needed.

Finally, we will create a JSON file in the last part of this series, which will generate quotes from the database.

Highlights:

• Learn how to create a MySQL database.
• Insert data into the MySQL database.
• Use a random code generator to collect quotes.
• Store quotes, author names, and tags in a MySQL database.

FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of creating a MySQL database for the quotes? A: The MySQL database allows for efficient storage and management of the collected quotes, author names, and tags.

Q: How do I connect to the MySQL database using the command prompt? A: Open the command prompt, enter the necessary connection details (host, user, password), and use the create database command to create the database.

Q: How can I verify if the records have been successfully inserted into the MySQL database? A: Connect to the database using MySQL workbench, select the "quotes" table, and check if all the records are displayed correctly.

Q: Can I use a different random code generator to collect quotes? A: Yes, you can use any random code generator that can scrape quotes from websites. Just ensure that the collected data is in the desired format.

Q: What are the benefits of storing quotes in a MySQL database? A: Storing quotes in a MySQL database allows for easy retrieval, manipulation, and analysis of the data. It provides a structured and organized approach to managing the collected quotes.