I am in the very preliminary stages of upgrading to v1.5.4 from v1.5.1, and have been scouring the forum for related topics/issues. I have printed out and reviewed as many of the instructions as I can find and have gotten to the point that I just need to bite the bullet and do it. But the one item I am not clear on is the distinction between the "database" as it exists on the server (I'm on a shared server) and the contents of my public_html folder. The public_html folder looks like data to me, what with images, and php files and all. When I look at the database (MySQL Database), it shows significantly fewer files than public_html, like only about a hundred or so. If not in the "database" where are the "public_html" files. I can see and manipulate them in Filezilla, but where is their home?

I know many of you will probably laugh at my question, and ask "why is this doofus messing around with something like Zen Cart, when he doesn't have a clue what he's dealing with?" I have been on Zen Cart for a little over a year, and have been successful at changing things like css and the contents of "my shop" template files. I have installed a few plug-ins, but have not gone deep into the code. Zen Cart has done very well for me and I would like to stay on top of the upgrades, but to do so, I need just a bit more info about "what's behind the screen" hence the question.

I am ecstatic with the benefits we have gotten from the switch from another platform to Zen Cart in mid-2014 (2014 was our second best year since we started in 2000) and plan on enlarging our product lines and improving our presence online.

Please advise the distinction between the "database" and public_html.

Thanks,
Phil