[CentOS] difficulties in compiling php-5.3.29 source from php.net using CentOS 7

Wed Oct 15 18:05:41 UTC 2014
Kenneth Wolcott <kennethwolcott at gmail.com>

Hello;

I'm having difficulties in compiling php-5.3.29 source from php.net
using CentOS 7.

I need to bring my PHP development and production environment forward
from PHP 5.3.3 which is using an abandoned php-template application
from sourceforge.  Since I need to do this in stages (it would be nice
if I could just install the CentOS 7 php and apache versions with the
"best" current php templates engines and make the developers change
the php code to make it work, but that is not my option!) I need to
get php-5.3.29 compiled on CentOS 7.

I'm using the configure syntax derived from the output of "php -i"
executed on the current development environment.  I've had to install
some additional "*-devel" packages and I make it further in the
configure dance, but I've come to a point where I need additional
help.  My current problem: "configure: error: DBA: Could not find
necessary header file(s)."  I can provide the configure syntax I'm
using if that will help you all help me.  I've asked on one of the PHP
mailing lists and have received good help up to this point, but I was
wondering if there are some tips and hints that might come from those
who are experts at this from the CentOS side rather than those who are
experts from the PHP side.

Thanks in advance,
Ken Wolcott