Using readfile() to process .php files

[Anon]

Is it possible to process a .php file using the readfile() function? My current system uses a relatively simple php program to handle site navigation -- via opening html files with the readfile() routine. I want to be able to extend this functionality to include the processesing of php files. Is this "nesting" of php files possible?

Thanks,

Ken

[Anon]

Any reason to not use include() instead? If not, lookup eval()

[Anon]

Indeed, Ken, it is. However you can not use the readfile() function (or file() function, or any of the file reading functions) to do so. You should use include() and the files should end in a .php, for compatability and security.

Example:

main.php

<?
include("includes/sessions.php");
echo 'Welcome, '.$user;

?>

includes/sessions.php

Some plain text here will just be outputed as normal (like readfile()).
<?php
session_start();
if(!isset($user)) $user = "Anonymous";
// the above code will be executed
// also note variables are shared
// also note that any code can be in an include()'d file
// including class and function definitions
?>

Hope this helped.

Ceph/Ghak

[Anon]

Thanks for the help. I'm used to working in compiled languages where include statements serve a somewhat more limited purpose. I think my problem was that I have primarily been using include()'s for bringing in specific sets of functions (i.e. registration, login, etc) -- I didn't consider the possibility that I could use include()'s anywhere inside of a php file and for any purpose.

Ken

[Anon]

I'm just not used to thinking of using "include" as a way to process a file for output. It all makes perfect sense now though.

Thanks,

Ken