How can I edit the php files in my server?

I know how to edit htm or html files using MS Frontpge. It is very easy.

I have some php files in my server.
How can I edit (make changes) these files after downloading using ftp?
Can I do it using MS Frontpge as in html files?

Any free software available by which I can work as in Frontpage?
Or is there any way to edit php files online by going to the server?

Your valuable suggestions appriciated!

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I use Free Script Editor. I also use FireFTP so I can open the files, make the changed and save them directory to the ftp server. I will say this, don't use word pad to edit them... Note pad may be ok.

 

There's a way to edit them online DIRECTLY.

1. Login to your webserver using net2ftp[dot]com or a similar web based FTP tool.
2. Navigate to the directory in which your php file is placed.
3. Check the checkbox next to the file you want to edit, go to the menu and click EDIT.

You will get a simple text editor to edit your php file with save/revert buttons.

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All said, I would recommend you download and edit it offline. REASON: The original file on your server will work as a working backup in case you make a blunder with programming.

 

You can also use vim/vi if you ssh into your server

 

Thanks to the 3 respected DP members for giving me directions.

I shall try your suggestions.
Again thanks.

@Exorcist
I can't login to my server using net2ftp.com. I don't know what happened.

@Ralle
I don't understand what you say.
What is vim/vi and ssh?

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I would probably disregard Ralles comment - vim/vi are editors present in most *nix (Unix/Linux) systems, and SSH is a secure way of accessing a server - trough a console or simliar.

You can, as far as I know, edit php-files in Frontpage, although it's not recommended. Frontpage is basically not recommended for anything, as the software is really bad.

You could try Dreamweaver (paid) which is a WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get) editor that, as far as I know, supports PHP-files.

Or, you can try to learn more about both HTML and PHP, and try editing the files in a text-editor - I would suggest either Notepad++ or EditPlus as editors. This, however, would mean that you won't see the page in a preview mode - you would have to upload the files first to see the changes.

 

Oh PoPSiCLe,

Thanks for your great suggestions.

I shall try to get Dreamweaver.
I like to see the page in a 'preview mode'.

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Another vote for using Dreamweaver here. Edited code without any problems.