Execute php on unix server vie exec()

[wrgill999]

How can I use the exec() function to run a php script on my unix server?

I'm loading a php page with the following code. The php file I am trying to execute is in the same directory. The permissions are all set to 777.

I've tried everything I can think of including:

<?

exec('php script.php');

?>

and some of these variations:

exec('/pathtophp/php script.php');
exec('/pathtophp/php /fullpathtoscript/script.php');
exec('script.php');
exec('/fullpathtoscript/script.php');

If I am in the server I can run >php script.php from the command line and it works fine.

??

Thanks.

[edcellgavin]

why not use include()?

[wrgill999]

I need the script to run independent of the current browser window.

[edcellgavin]

how about a work-around - execute your script by opening another browser window and closing it as soon as the script ends. (just a thought)

howver, i also would want to know a resolution for your inquiry.

[dalecosp]

Well, first, have you tried all possible variations, including system(), shell_exec(), the backtick operator, passthru(), etc.?

Most likely the problem is one of permissions. If you've ever administered a server, and have much concept of how "crackers" go about their work, you can understand the reluctance of sysadmins to allow the Web-server UID to have permission to run executables except under strictly controlled circumstances. For example, many people run PHP in safe mode (is your PHP running in safe mode? phpinfo() can tell you . . .)

If you own the box, it should be pretty easy to get it to do what you want. Otherwise, try all your options, the last one being calling tech support and asking them to either allow you to do this or explain why you can't; if they tell you, take their word for it and start checking your "creative options" . . . 😉

Good luck!