[RESOLVED] Re-usable 'Add Comment' script?

middleman666

hey people,
fairly new to php so bare with me.

I have a form which is used in quite a basic flat file system, kind of like a guestbook but the user can upload files, thumbnails etc. - my problem/question is I would like to submit a 'comment' link with each submitted entry and this comment link would open up a mini flat file guestbook for anyone to add a comment into.

The solution I was thinking was to simply, everytime the forms submitted - new files are created that make up that individual posts comment box then to simply add the link to that with the entry.

But, this method could get a tad messy, what with at least two files being created every new post (commentscript.php and the comments.txt files).

So I was wondering if anyone had any 'more practical' ideas to get to the solution via a Flat File system (as I simply dont want to use mysql yet)?

Thanks fo your input.

p.s - this should probly be in a new thread but is there a way of testing scripts offline? via a virtual server or something... or is that just witchcraft?

wilku

As for the question in PS:
Yes, there is a way to test your script online. Install Apache server on your machine (versions for many systems are availabe). After that install PHP (on your local machine as well). You mention that you wouldn't want to use mysql yet - my advice: the sooner, the better. So I'd suggest installing mysql as well.
With this bunch of applications you can test your scripts on your local machine. If it's a computer connected to the internet, it's better to set Apache to answer only to "localhost". There are installation instructions available for all apps above.

For the flat file problem - consider using [man]serialize()[/man] and [man]unserialize()[/man]. Like this - you create an array that stores a link to uploaded file as well as all the comments to that file (and other info if needed). Then you serialize the array to a string and save it to the flat file. The other way round if you want to read. Be carefull though with newlines in comments, as they would spoil the structure of your file. Better change them to spaces in the beginning. This way in each line of a flat file you'd have one "record" in a form of serialized array.

thorpe

yeah... i seem to be seeing this more and more often too. new comers wanting to stick to text files because a) they think there easier to work with than a database or b) they are just plain scared of having to learn another technoligie on top of php.

databases are made for storing and sorting data. applications like the one you describe are actually much easier to program and extend if they are built on a good foundation.

lth2h

middleman666 wrote:
So I was wondering if anyone had any 'more practical' ideas to get to the solution via a Flat File system (as I simply dont want to use mysql yet)?

Let me echo the views of the other posters. There is no practical idea for using a flat file. PHP main use is to connect databases to the web. The only reason not to be using PHP with MySQL is if you are using PHP with Oracle or some other database (I actually have it set up to work with MySQL, Oracle, MSSQL, MS Access). If you're not using PHP to connect to a database, you might as well not use PHP.

Shrike

lth2h wrote:
Let me echo the views of the other posters. There is no practical idea for using a flat file. PHP main use is to connect databases to the web. The only reason not to be using PHP with MySQL is if you are using PHP with Oracle or some other database (I actually have it set up to work with MySQL, Oracle, MSSQL, MS Access). If you're not using PHP to connect to a database, you might as well not use PHP.

That's a little bit restrictive. PHP has many uses which have no need for a database.

LoganK

I agree with Shrike. PHP is not meant soley for database use. If you take a look at my thread called "Game Creation" (I forgot which category but it's on these forums), you'll see that I coded Minesweeper in PHP without any database. So yes, flat file databases do have their uses every now and then, just like everything has it's own place in life.

Although, to be honest, when I was a n00b I learned MySQL first (alongside PHP), and as a result I was pretty much the opposite of standard newbs - I wanted to use MySQL for everything and was terrified of flat files (with all of the parsing, and permissions, and bytes, and etc.). Now I know the difference and understand how each has their own special use.

And yes, you need to install a webserver/PHP/MySQL, to answer your PS question.

middleman666

Thanks for all the replys people.

I shall look into the serialize and unserialize option and see what I come up with.

I realize that using a mySQL database would probly be easier and definatly more practical, but I kind of feel like if I can do what I want to do in a Flat File system then when the times comes I can 'upgrade' that system to using a database insted - of course this will involve taking script out and putting some new stuff in which may seem like a waste of time, but at least in the long run i'll be able to say I can create "some script" in flat file and database.

Saying all that, it is true that i spose im a tad worried about taking the leap into mySQL, but Im only an amateur and I think its best to know the basics before jumping in the deep end.

Anyway, thanks again for all the posts and Ill be sure to install the programs.
If i do come into trouble ill be sure to post again.

LoganK

Allright then. Glad it worked out.

Mark the thread resolved if it is!

Kakabadstvo

Hack again?!