blank main page after template copy

[Makoshark]

First off my ZenCart is 1.3.8a so please don't suggest an update.
I am following the tutorial "How do I create a new Custom Template?" Gone through the tutorial a few times now and can not figure out were I have gone wrong. I copied the classic green template as the one to modify, but I get a blank screen http://shop.nilandsplace.com/camp/in...ain_page=index . I am not sure what to do next as I am just learning PHP and MySQL. What creates the index page? I also have been through the file structure and can’t find what is missing. and yes I have the book but it has not helped me figure it out.

[kuroi]

This suggests a fatal syntax error causing php or mysql to crash early in the page building process, i.e. before anything has been output to give us any clues as to where.

I recommend installing the debugger (see this FAQ Entry) to help track down the problem.

The answer to your specific question as to how pages are built is very complex and I would recommend starting with application_top and following its logic ... but that would be the long route to finding a solution to your problem.

[Makoshark]

I found the error with the debugger it was the header.pHp with this line // added defines for header alt and text
define('HEADER_ALT_TEXT', 'Niland\'s Place Campsite [home link]');
the slash after Niland was the wrong direction

Now I need to redo my side boxes they all turned off
Thanks for the help James

[kuroi]

Not as much help as I intended, since I forgot to add the link to the FAQ Entry for the debugger. But it appears you found it anyway. Glad you got it fixed.