Redesigning A Web Site For Php? Or Modifying an existing one?

I have recently built (by hand coding) a web site that includes about 27 pages and a two-level folder structure, and since I've been learning a few things about php includes and that sidebar-ul link generator (and hopefully some more stuff soon), I am thinking that I will re-create the same site using these new-found tools. What I would like to get out of this topic is your opinion about whether I should go about this by one of the following two methods:First, I could start from scratch and use Includes and the side bar generator and build an entirely new site, or, Second, I could slowly mod the existing site a section or so at a time to include the php coding.If anyone has had the same situation and could shed some light on the decision, I would appreciate them posting something here in this topic.

well, i'm new to php as well. i have created my site using php, although it took me some time before i can finish it. right now i'm still trying to improve the php coding of my site. my site is like a blog although i only use 1 php file for the startup page and another php file for the entire blog site. i am currently working on how to minimize the number of folders that i'm using (since the files are organized into folders according to the date that i "posted" the entry on the blog).to start from scratch might be a bit tough, unless you already have an idea on how you would include php on it. in my case, i had to start from scratch like twice because my first implementation didn't work out well. but if you're used to the code that you have already done and you think that you can just add some code to it, then go for the second choice. my codes are good enough for me to just add some changes. the first choice would be advisable if you don't want any excess code that you might not be needing/using. start from scratch = start from a clean slate.

I would recommend modding your old site section by section, peice by peice. This way your site will stay online with full content and not be taken offline even though it probably will take longer to complete the whole project. I personally did start from scratch on mine which is why there is no content but it was different for me. I dont care who sees my site and it is more of a learning area for me since i run my fraternities site and that is the one i care the most about. Also, i got sick of the old layout and such and took advantage of this oppertunity to change the site completely.

It depends - do you feel like your site could do with a spruce up design-wise? If so, start from scratch.

If you have the time, and can test your site on your own computer first, then I would start from scratch. Personally I find it an awful lot easier than trying to put bits of code in here and there on pages that already exist. testing it on your own PC allows you to make sure everything works before uploading it, therefore your site will have minimal downtime.