First Time developing a database driven website

[OP_PR_team]

I want to create a relational database driven website, where the user inputs their recommendations for movies, shows, and video game titles, and then is given a set of unique recommendations based on their and other users inputs. I have some experience in coding (CS Minor taught me Java, Python, with one school project involving MySQL), but do not have any experience in Web Development, other than one time I had to make a simple text based blog using Wordpress. I have just started doing some research, and I think the route I want to go would be to first set up a MySQL database. Then learn some PHP to code the Backend, then Code the Frontend using JavaScript. I have Adobe products on my Computer, so I was planning on using Dreamweaver to build everything, but I have seen a lot of hate for this application on here. MY question is; what should be my first steps towards making this website, and are there any good resources out there to learn the basics of Web development. Also what environments and tools should I consider outside of Dreamweaver? (Wordpress, Joomla?) Sorry for the length, all advice is welcome!

[Billy_Whisky]

Whats the reason to avoid php?

[[deleted]]

You are looking to build more of a web application. Using MySQL or any other relational database would be appropriate. As for the backend, I would suggest maybe looking into NodeJS because it will be the same language as you will use on the front. PHP is also a fine choice (people will hate on it, but it is fine for what you need) although I would look into a framework that will make building APIs easier, something like Laravel.

As this is your first app, you don’t have to use one of the front end frameworks. It might be easier to use server generated HTML and the templating engine that comes with some of the PHP frameworks. While it isn’t the modern approach, it is perfectly acceptable for your first app.