Processing Bar -pop up

efficacious

Hello everyone,

Some of you that have read my other recent post already know that I've got a dynamic update archive system that I'm working on..

Another question regarding that project...

Is there a way to create essentially like a Progress bar..

this would need to run and be visible only while the script is executing the zipping process.

I was just wondering if it was possible to make this?

I think I can do it with JS but I want to avoid JS if at all possible.

thanks for the suggestions,
eff

big_nerd

The problem is due to the way that PHP interacts with the browser. I've used a method where you have a GIF file and stretch it (based on %complete) with javascript by changing the width properties.

You would want to use a 4px wide solid color if you wish to use this method.

Essentially, PHP would "echo" a javascript that increases the image elements width by a few pixels (dependant on the size of the progress bar).

On the other hand, you could use a second PHP script which can read session data as to the completion level, and write a small Flash/Actionscript to query the "second" php file which can return a percentage number.. you can then use the ActionScript to manipulate the flash progress bar.

I havn't done the latter myself, in fact, just may try it out.. sounds like a fun project.

Keep in mind though - you would have to track session data or some form of passing the information from the "working" script (the one executing the zipping process) to the "second" or query script that Flash will communicate with (based on a timer, making multiple requests).

I hope this makes sense..

efficacious

makes alot of sense, these are both very good ideas.. however they both present the same bad side effects..

with JS the user can have it turned off thus making the progress bar not work.

with Flash, the user may simply just not have it..and or have an older incompatible version..

both of which an be easily remedied assuming the client knows how.
which is what creates the problem.. my clients would def not know how.

So I'm guessing I would simply have to choose one..

very helpful thanks for your responses big nerd,
eff

big_nerd

efficacious,

You do have one further option. Although I wouldn't recommend it.. however it doesn't require javascript OR flash.

You can have an iframe in the area of the page that needs a progress bar, and use PHP to display a text or graphic progress bar. You can use a javascript AND meta refresh (to take care of js/non-js users).

Using text would be fast enough to appear as if it isn't refreshing, although it is.

You would follow the same principal as the flash idea, whereas you use session data to update the completion percentage.

Once the iframe refreshes, it can be the "second" php file (as I mentioned earlier).

You can insert a <noframes> tag to handle those few customers who do not handle frames, to say "Please Wait for the process to complete. This may take several minutes. Please do not refresh the page or navigate away"

You can then insert a meta redirect at the process completion to move to a new page informing the noframes user that the process is complete.

It may be the only way (that I can think of) to have a progress bar without relying on JS/Flash.

Please note: If you decide to use a graphic, make sure that it is a gif and no more than 2px wide, ensure it is only ONE color to reduce the filesize so that it will load quick enough.

Also, The <noframes> tag is not allowed in XHTML 1.0 Strict DTD. So check your DTD on the page that is doing this work.

If you dont mind the work, setup the JS way, use the iframe in the <noscript>, and the <noframes> after that.

This way you can setup a stepping stone of the "best" and "just ok" progress bar(s).

Link to detecting flash / replacing with an image in JS

Using JS to detect Flash

And Finally:

Dynamic Progress Bars in PHP

I hope all of this works for you..

Ashley_Sheridan

You could always do what websites such as Facebook do, and just display an animated spinning graphic, which is replaced when it's done. Because something is moving, your visitors will be reassured that something is actually happening.