php& Linux hosting & MySQL server: download MySQL first or buy hosting first?

[Willbor]

Hello. My question is about creating a simple site with php & MySQL database and several simple webpages.
What is the way to do that?

METHOD #1
1) buy cheap space on linux/unix server with MySQL (no more than $30 per several months - is it possible?)
2) create a Table there in the database on that server
3) practice in writing web-pages using Notepad and html, php languages with sql queues to that database (using Internet if I don't know how to do that).

OR

METHOD#2
1) set up an emulator of server on my computer (My desktop has Windows XP)
2) Download MySQL as well.
3) Set it up together
4) practice in writing web-pages using Notepad and html, php languages with sql queues to that database
5) buy hosting and upload everything to the server.


Does method 1 really works? Or programmers and developers usually use the second method?


Thank you.
Sorry for this quesion, I'm new to that.

[Joe]

If you're new to the world of servers, databases, PHP and SQL, I think that your proposed "method #2" would let you develop some skills without spending much (or any?) money. Then, when you do buy that server space, you'll be ready to go.

Have you got an extra computer lying around? Put a Linux server on it, and install MySQL server. Stick it on your home LAN. You'll have a very authentic mini-Internet completely under your control for learning, development and debugging.