XAMPP MSSQL connection problem, php_sqlsrv.dll

I recently tried to install or add the PHP mssql driver to connect with the ms sql server.  Official compiled dll for the php_sqlsrv is until version 5.4, and does not support PHP version 5.5 and beyond.

I tried adding the extension, but XAMPP keeps on telling me there is something wrong.  It gives a message like "startup: sqlsrv: unable to initialize module..".  I searched the internet for some time, until I came across a solution on my particular problem.

It seems there is a need to compile a newer version of the php_sqlsrv driver.  Thankfully someone did that for me since I certainly have no idea how to compile this source file.  This is only for test purposes only, so hopefully the compiled dll does not have anything else besides the intended purpose of connecting to the ms sql server.

Here is the link to that file: http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/sqlserver/en-US/e1d37219-88a3-46b2-a421-73bfa33fe433/unofficial-php-55-drivers-x86

Which is better? Notepad++ or Sublime text?

I have been searching lately for a better code editing application.  Some use sublime, some use notepad++ for website development.  I came across different websites saying Notepad++ is better, some say sublime text is better.

Here is one that is clear and objective comparison of both: http://text-editors.findthebest.com/compare/9-45/Notepad-vs-Sublime-Text

What it comes down to, is for what specific task will you be using the editor towards?  Some argue Notepad++ can compile on the editor itself.  Others argue, Sublime text can be used on different OS, such as Mac, Linux, Windows.

Both are almost identical, and can be customize to your specific layout.  But as far as latest language updates for the web, I noticed that sublime text supports the new syntax in CSS3.  I have been using Notepad++ occasionally, and when using intelli-sense, Sublime text offer much updated language file.

There is nothing wrong with Notepad++, if it can serve your specific project needs, then stick with it.  It is a stable build and free.  Sublime text on the other hand is not free and expensive for an editor.  It cost $70, and free update on current version only.  If there is a new version, the license you purchased is only good up to the point of latest update of version bought.

Note: out of the box, Sublime text already has intelli-sense working.  While Notepad++ you will need to allow autocomplete thru this steps: Settings>Preference>Auto-Completion tick on the checkbox to enable auto-complete on each input.