Topic: php-mode on emacs

[Jean]

I've been told that emacs is the best way to go for php coding on Linux boxes.  So, I got emacs installed on my sme5.5 server.  Then, I figured out php-mode.el had to be installed.  Did that.  Now, when I invoke php-mode, emacs mode line shows php.  But, I am not getting all the whiz-bang stuff like highlighting and etc.  Figuiring maybe php-mode didn't install properly (btw, I did insert the parameters into .emacs file), I tried perl-mode.  Again, no visible difference.  So, now I am thinking, maybe it's how sme is configured.  Being a newbie, maybe I didn't compile emacs with the right switches set???  I've been hung on problem for the past 2 days and decided 2 more probably won't help.  So, I am turning to you gurus to slap me out of my stupor with some real simple yet overlooked answer.

Any insights would be highly appreciated.

Jean

[Jean]

OK.  Several hours later and I am making some progress.  I know php-mode is working.  I finally figured out how to invoke some of the commands.  I still don't see how syntax highlighting is turned on.  Also, formatting/indenting wreaks havoc on html portion of the codes.  Weird that many seem to swear by emacs...  I am beginning to think windoze based ide for php coding.

Jean

[Guck Puppy]

Vaguely related-ly, since you mention "html portion of the codes" - you might want to consider using Smarty Template (http://smarty.php.net/) to handle the HTML side safe and away from the php side - you give the variables to the template and the template contains all the HTML bits.

Also, I use the Zend IDE on Windows (though it works just as well in X - of course X isn't in SME).

Cheers, G

[Jean]

Wow, what a concept!  I will have a look asap.  Zend IDE costs, doesn't it?

I think I am almost there with emacs config...  Just need to turn color-coding on.

Thanks a bunch,
Jean