Development Suggestions

dbchip2000

Hello,
This thread pertains to how I may choose to develop my PHP program... I am wondering, and wanting suggestions and thoughts about how I should go about developing a program that will allow a user access to a page just once. That user may be an anonymous user, or a registered user, which causes a problem. What is the best way to keep track.
If I use a user id, people can always just not be logged in to see the page. If I use an ip address, only one person in a business scenario would be able to see the page if they use NAT. If I use cookies, some people may reject saving them, unknowingly.
I would just like to get some advice about how different people would go about this situation. Thanks

barand

I suppose one way would be to limit viewing of this page to logged-in, registered viewers and store a flag in a user table once they view the page

dbchip2000

I don't have a problem with registered users, I am curious about how to handle anonymous users and preventing them from viewing the page more than once

velvethausfrau

You could always key it to a particular email address. Make them enter thier email address then either send them the page, send a key o the page or just let whoever uses that address see the page once.
The downside to the last option is that you would have to somehow validate that address so they don't just write 'joiwjfeoiwf@w7yef87.ope' or whatever every time.
In any case, the page you show will be probably stored in the browser cache, or the person could 'save' the page when they look at it. So your options are further limited.

sarahk

You can put cookies on their system but this doesn't stop them viewing it from another computer and may prevent another individual from viewing it if they use the same computer

You can use a session variable but that only works for the life of the session.

You can use IP tracking but that is only going to work if the bulk of your users are on high speed connections as dial up users get a new IP each time.

barand

Originally posted by dbchip2000
allow a user access to a page just once.

Sheer curiosity, but why? Is it a memory test?

dbchip2000

This concept will be used for polls

HalfaBee

You are best off only letting registered members see the page.
Of course every member needs a valid email and distinct.
The only problem is people that have unlimited emails on their website that just go to a default email addr.
I would also force them to use cookies and not allow them to register if they don't, and not allow another registation from the same computer.

It is a bit harsh on two different users using the same computer, but if you only annoy a minority of users who gives a toss.

Halfabee

feldon23

For polls, most people use a cookie or session and/or track IPs which makes the poll fairly effective. If a hacker is bored enough, he/she can circumvent anything you put and start stuffing the ballot box.

There is nothing permanent or that is 100% effective in making sure the poll is accurate unless you start asking for e-mail/password/name/address/phone number/signature/DNA/stool sample.