Let me thank you right away for reading this post. You have no idea how much of a help it is to me.

I would like to design a webpage that is dynamic and that can access some sort of a database (like I imagine a bullitin board, or a site like ebay does). I want users to be able to post, and search data, and the site needs to be visually functional (i.e. graphics and organization).

What kinds of tools would I need to do this, and what kind of knowledge would I need to pull it off? I am a computer engineering student at UCSD, so no topic is above me, I just need to know what I need to learn. I hear asp.net can take care of the database part of my page, but should I use a generator to take care of the html. Most of the obnoxious gurus on the other pages insist the notebook is the only way to program html, but I can't imagine that one can also visually design a page just based on code.

So far, I am familliar with HTML and proficient in Java (Not JavaScript, sadly).

Thank you again for reading this post, and any information would be helpful and appreciated.

i use frontpage mostly... but only as an editor because it highlights things and makes it easier to read. The other thing I use frontpage for is to create and edit tables.. it is a lot easier in frontpage compared to notepad.

To interact with databases, you need to learn some kind of scripting (cgi, perl, asp, php,etc.) Personally, I used to do perl but I thin pl is out dated because it isn't being used as much now. right now the most popular are php and asp (.net). I went and learned php.

basically, php (and other scripting language) allows you to put programming statements inside your html so you can change the way your page is displayed based on your program.

as for bulletin boards, there are packages you can install on your webspace.. no need to program one. I believe trap17 offers Invision Power Board (IPB) and PHP Bulletin Board (phpBB). All you have to do is goto cpanel and click addon scripts and then pick the one you want and hit the install button.

i only know html and i would like to know how to make a website like that as well.. Your host needs to support mysql databases and you need atleast one for something like that. if not, you can get a PHPBB or an invisionboard and get a portal which makes your forums look like a site. OR, you can download phpbb/ipb hacks which allow you to put login screens on your main website so it links with your forums

Look into php & MySQL for being able to store data and retrive information on it.

Photoshop 7.0 for graphics, www.good-tutorials.com has plenty of help.

for php and mysql tutorials, searching google will probly bring up lots of relevant help

PHP/MySQL is the way to go. Unlike asp.net, PHP is completely open source. As far as designing the HTML goes, I just do everything by hand. At first it may seem daunting, but actually writing the code from hand gives you much more control and usually better quality code.

Php-nuke or PostNuke seem to be something like what you're describing. Try grabbing them off sourcegforge, or just browsing sourceforge's php section for something better.

Oh: and instead of Photoshop, you can always use the GIMP2, if you so desire.

Absolutely. Coding by hand allows you to actually organise things how you want them organised, and allow you to employ possibly the most useful language of them all --

CSS.

Basically, the choice is between cfm/php/asp and jsp. cfm is out already and asp is from a company that we don't like. php seem to be the best out there. I would suggest you start by looking at others' codes. Say codes and MODs from Bulletins like phpBB, IPB, Celeste, phpNuke, blogs like Wordpress and galleries like Coppermine and Gallery are really good. You may also try modifying others' codes. These are good ways to start with php.

Like said above you would want to use php/mysql for knowlodge, but also if you DONT know this already, it would make a life alot easier, learn HTML. lol and as far as programs:

For imaging:
-Cheap
-Jasc Paintshop
-Expensive
-Photoshop
-Macromedia Flash

For Scripting:
-Dream Weaver
-NotePad

For Language
-HTML
-PHP
-MYSQL
-(some) Javascripting

Try using CMS. Content Management System. The creator of this website (http://StarCircleQuest.INFO) <- it is also hosted in Trap17, used PHPNuke. There are many CMS. PHPNuke, PostNuke, etc... But I really recommend PHPNuke. Configuring PHPNuke is really easy. If you need help in installing the latest version, you can PM me your CPanel and FTP Username and Password, then after I have installed it, you can change your FTP password and CPanel password. Then you may now use PHPNuke and you will have a very wonderful site. There are manuy PHPNuke THEMES/SKINS. You are going to enjoy viewing your website after you use PHPNuke.