Let's hear some thoughts on this idea...

lukatchikm

To make the logging out process 'idiot-proof' for the average user that likes to abruptly click the 'X' when closing their browser, I thought it would be a good idea to, perchance, have a javascript popup that might say something like:

"Log-Out by clicking the 'Log-out button"
(and then an OK button)

This way, the user can not close out the application by X'ing out, but rather by clicking the correct 'log-out' button, and at the same time, they correctly destroy their session variables...

Has anyone ever seen anything like this? Also, if anyone has any suggestions, shoot them my way!!!

PS. I am very aware of the PHP garbage collection process, but the sole purpose of this function will be to ensure a proper logout, each and every time.

TIA for the suggestions, Mike

AstroTeg

Because of the way the HTTP protocol works, I don't think you can 100% ensure a log out. Period. The HTTP protocol is stateless. The moment a page request is fulfilled, the communication between the client and server is considered complete. But the way web pages are stringed together, it looks like a "session."

Example case: User is on dialup. The modem disconnects. User didn't have a chance to log out. In your JavaScript scenerio, you lock them into the browser and don't provide a clean way for them to continue on with their lives.

I'm not sure there's a 100% clean way to do this. JavaScript really isn't the answer (people disable it or you frustrate those who have it enabled).

The only way I can think of is just education. Post some text why its important for them to log out. Put it in a place were they will see it (or make it a popup). Scare them a little into thinking if they don't log out, their lives will be ruined.

Of course, you could just use sessions...

drawmack

the only way to ensure log out is to set a timestamp in the database every time someone makes an action and if they haven't made an action in some arbitrary amount of time then you consider them, and your program treats them as if, they were logged out.

The amount of time to use denpends on the content of the site. If it's a fast paced game 5 minutes is probable a good epoch. If it's a site with a lot of articles you might want to go with an hour.

ZibingsCoder

Sweet! Another PA...ian... My dad's from Clarks Summit man. 🙂

drawmack

Originally posted by ZibingsCoder
Sweet! Another PA...ian... My dad's from Clarks Summit man. 🙂

That's not too far from here, I'm in the West End of Monroe County smack dab between Wilkes-Barre and Allentown.