DH Templates

Best way to build a simple retail website using a database (no transactions, just browsing) ?

Hi, I'm a programmer but I've never worked on the web. I'm mostly a cubicle drone in in large businesses. I have some basic knowledge of PHP and HTML, but learning any new language is not really a problem. Problem I have is where to start so I don't waste time/ressources. I want to build a simple website for a sports retail store. They only sell bikes, skis and a few accessories so it's not very complex. I don't want to include the possibility to buy online. Just consulting items, maybe with pictures. Plus, they use an cash registrer so I'd like to put their items on an Access database and build and replace their cash registrer with a small VB or VBA application. That's the easy part. But I'd like to use the same database for the website. Do I start from scratch? If so, with what language? Or are there nice free templates out there that do exactly that, interact with a database? If you can tell me step by step how a small project like that ususally works out, it'd be appreciated.

Public Comments

1. what you need is a CMS (Content Management System) and there are several available on the web. The free ones will usually use PHP/HTML/CSS/JavaScript and will talk to any number of database servers especially MYSQL . Do a Google for CMS to find many nice free ones Drupal Wordpress
2. yes I would agree with the above. You need a good CMS I personally would recommend this one: http://tinyurl.com/yk36ldb
3. Go to http://www.way2templates.com/joomla-templates.html, Download Appropriate template which suits your site theme, modify it and make your simple retail website. Use Joomla as CMS.
4. Sounds like you can try www.StoreDIY.com. This one includes database and ajax. Simple to use and no charge for small business owners.