Entry

What are some ways to get PHP support?

Apr 28th, 2001 18:54
Philip Olson,

Many PHP support options exist, the most popular method is via the 
mailing lists.  A list of such lists can be seen here :
  http://www.php.net/support.php
The main list is php-general@lists.php.net which gets about 5,000 posts 
per month.  Lists can be accessed directly as well as through a news 
server found here :
  news://news.php.net/
  http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&safe=off&group=php.general
An archive of the php-general mailing list can be seen/searched here :
  http://marc.theaimsgroup.com/?l=php-general
  http://www.google.com/search?q=PHP
Use the lists wisely.  Some tips :
  0. Search the archives (and google) first.  Most questions have been
     asked before, usually on multiple occasions.  Sifting through all
     related threads usually turns up some good information.  Check it
     out.  What keywords might be found in another persons related
     Question or Answer?  If an error exists, search for non-generic
     terms found within the error.  Don't be afraid to look through
     several pages of the archives or try different searches.  Be 
     smart.  Some example searches (Q = Question, T = Possible search 
     terms) :
       Q: "I want to redirect using php, how?"
       T: "redirect" or "redirection"
     http://marc.theaimsgroup.com/?l=php-general&s=redirection
       Q: "I use rand() and it's not random, why?"
       T: "random" or "rand" or "mt_rand"
     http://marc.theaimsgroup.com/?l=php-general&s=random
       Q: "Headers already sent, what does this mean?"
       T: "headers already sent" and/or "Cannot add header information"
     http://marc.theaimsgroup.com/?l=php-general&s=headers+already+sent
  1. Keep it short and to the point.  We don't have time to read
     enormous posts and usually they're skipped.  Isolate your specific
     problem, briefly explain what you're trying to do, and ask your
     question.  Reread your question, does it make sense?
  2. If an error exists, include the exact error.  Making us guess
     doesn't benefit either party, PHP provides useful error messages
     and usually someone else has seen the exact error before.  If the
     error includes a line number, include the appropriate block of
     code. (if it's reported that error is on line 333, usually lines
     331-335 will do.)
  3. Don't expect a reply.  Almost always a useful reply will exist but
     realize this is a public list full of volenteers.  Also realize
     that nobody is required to answer your question, we all reply at
     our leisure and get paid $0.00 to do so.  And as mentioned, a
     mindful question has a much greater chance of recieving replies.
     After a few days with no response, a repost is appropriate.
  4. Keep appropriate threads and topics.  Don't ask unrelated 
     questions within a thread, start a new one.  In otherwords, within
     a thread about "form processing" don't suddenly think "ahh, this
     person knows their stuff, I think I'll ask them about database
     abstraction!"
Some other thoughts exists such as :
  a. Don't take things personally.  In otherwords, don't get upset over
     someones words, starting a battle within a mailing list is lame.
  b. Don't make assumptions.
  c. Don't make people feel stupid.  We all make mistakes, have bad
     days, drink too much coffee, etc.  If someone posts incorrect
     information, say so, in a nice and polite manner.
Other options exist too, such as forums.  Some popular forums are as 
follows :
  http://phpbuilder.com/forum/
  http://forums.devshed.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=5
  http://zend.com/phorum/list.php?num=3
Also, various #PHP IRC channels exist, the most populated channels 
are : 
  http://www.openprojects.nu/
  http://www.efnet.net/
And some useful tips can be found here :
  http://www.php.net/tips.php