How can I use PHP to return database data to an existing HTML page? -

i new php. know little javascript, html, mysql , lots of non-web computer programming.

i know how create html page form, use button call external php file (with $_post) sends email , records forms data (names , email addresses) mysql database.

now, i'd create new html page calls external php file (so code hidden) return mysql data (names , email addresses) display on existing html page (with css formatting , menus). in otherwise, i'd modify existing html page data (but hide php code in external file).

if can done (i'm new this), can please giving me @ least general idea can build upon it. textbooks i've flipped through explain how "echo" data screen (a blank screen) .php extension in address bar.

thank time , help. appreciate it!

since have html echo part, you'll need plug database.

using orm can this. php, recommend starting propel:

http://propelorm.org/

once bit more comfortable that, might want try using php framework, symfony, structure project in more uniform way. however, there many other php frameworks out there, try evaluate top ones before settling on favorite.

furthermore, examples provided in php framework documentations guide through many of common solutions (as framework toolkit built people have had solve such problems on , over).

for example, here cookbook symfony outlines many solutions common issues.