Editing PHP files

Can you edit PHP files in Dreamweaver, that is, files that end in .php and not .html?

Yes, of course. If you are careful, and are making edits that you don't need to 'check' in a browser, it is as easy as editing an HTML file. You will not be able to use "Live View" in Dreamweaver, however, unless you have listed a 'testing server.'

You can install XAMPP (PC) or MAMPP (Mac) on your own computer to work as a local testing server. That makes it possible for your PHP files to compile properly in order to be tested. PHP typically runs on Apache (Unix) servers and its databases would be MySQL databases.

Not every ISP (Internet Service Provider) provides PHP support. GWI, for instance, does not provide it. If your files are PHP files and they are already hosted successfully, the ISP supports  PHP. If you don't know, call the ISP and check.

XAMPP and its sisters are free programs. Search the internet for them. Instructions are pretty clear for installation and use.

For more information, take Bogart's PHP course at Portland Adult Education. It is well worth the price of admission. 

**You may also edit php pages in InContext Editing, but not the php sections. So I've been told, but have not tested this. Certainly if you use an html datasource, you will be able to edit the data in InContext Editing. That would not, however, be PHP!