cannot connect to my database using php

[Caroline Badley]

Hi I am using SAMS teach yourself to learn how to work with php, mysql and apache.

I am using PHP 5.0, Mysql 4.0 and Apache 2.0 (which I am running as 'localhost' on port 8080) on my XP prof machine.

The apache server is running and I have been able to run some simple PHP scripts on it. I have installed mysql and have added tables and data to the 'test' database.

I have not been able to access the database through, however, using the following script:

<?php
$conn = mysql_connect("localhost", "username", "password");
echo $conn;
?>

Its supposed to give me something like Resource id #1.

Instead I get a blank screen. I have been confused by the mysql connecting - initially I set up a username and password through the mysqladmin - which it prompted me to do when I first ran it - but this did not allow me to connect using these details through the console. I was able to add tables etc as a user I did not set up though - odbc@localhost.

I have since worked out how to connect in through the console as the root user and have set up the username and password (using GRANT ALL on the 'test' database)again and I can now connect to the database through the console with that username and password. The script still does not work using that username/password. Could I be using the wrong username/password? Can I somehow use the root username to connect?

HELP - i have checked the documentation on this site but am none the wiser.

thanks, Caroline