Well a forum IMHO isn't overly complex but you need a good database design to make it run as fast as possible (read: Normalization of the database)
Once the database is in place everything else is rudiementary really and you will need to implement these things(very basic):
-You need a system where users can sign up and register
-Your application needs to display data from Database Queries
-Your application needs to write data to the Database.
Also, slightly more complex but needed, is a Permissions management system that gives rights to various users to do certain things within the forum (Delete threads, lock threads, etc) IMHO it is easier to setup Permissions management at a role level rather then a user level. (Roles have permissions, users do not)
I believe Wrox publishes a book that uses a forum as an example application throughout the book however I am not entirely sure. (Imar or Jim would be able to tell you better in regards to which book.)
hth.
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how to develop a new forum
