First, I'm entirely new at PHP and MySQL - just started to learn.
I want to develop a web site on my local machine - I have installed Apache, PHP and MySQL. All works fine.
The question is: Can I transfer the site and the database to another machine using FTP, after all is done on mine? For the site I know, but what about the database

The short answer is absolutely yes! The longer answer deals with how each of the two different OS's store files and filenames. Generally speaking, you can just FTP the DB over without problems. However, I'd caution you against using any strange characters or spaces to name your DB and tables. There may be no problem with them, but why take a chance?

Your best bet, is to create a small 'sample' DB of what you're working on, and FTP it over to your other box. Try it! If you have a problem, we'll see if we can help out!

If you couldn't just transfer database files, you can script your database (script table definitions and table data) and run SQL script on your target server.

I wrote DB scripting tool just last week :-) I did no comprehensive tests but that tool scripts properly table field names, primary, secondary and unique keys, auto_increments, "not null" limitations, default values and I think you will find no bugs at all in table data scripting.

I transferred my site (http://www.mh-sd.com) using my scripting tool without any problems.

My tool was written in Perl under UNIX. It produces .sql files which you will be able to import on any platform.

I could send you this tool by e-mail (i didn't published it because it was not tested, bu I think it could help you).

Thank you for your comprehensive answers, guys! You've just made my day!
Well, Masterhard, It will be nice if you e-mail me your tool, byt I don't know if I could work with it since I'm just in the beginning with PHP and MySQL My e-mail: info@e-cobo.com