Convert php site to .exe

dskanth

Hi all, i have developed a php-mysql web application, which is a school based project.
My client wants the this application to be converted into a .exe file such that it can be installed on his desktop and use it.

How can the php website can be converted to a .exe file and can it be run without the need of a database/server software ?

Please advice. 🙂

NogDog

I don't know about a single .exe, but you could use the PHP GTK extension to create a stand-alone PHP application. You might want/need to convert the app to use the SQLite DB instead of MySQL.

dskanth

Thanks for your reply.
I just wanted to know, will the Php GTK application that i developed run on the client's system (windows) ?

I mean, is that an .exe file ? Or how i can open it ?

Also, i have a big doubt about the database. For my php applications, i was used to mysql database. For GTK, as you said, i want to go ahead with SQLite.

Will SQLite need any configuration in client's system ? Do i need Apache and PHP (or XAMPP) to be installed on that system ?

Please clarify. 🙂

NogDog

If you use the PHP/GTK/SQLite option, then there is no need to install a database program. SQLite is an "embedded" database that runs within your application. The GTK route provides the ability to make a stand-alone, non-web-browser application. However, if you already have a useful web application, maybe the most cost-effective solution is simply to have the client install Wampserver or XAMPP on their PC, and then simply run the web app locally there via their browser of choice.

dskanth

Thanks once again for your kind reply. 🙂

If i install XAMPP at the client's system, i will get the mysql, apache and php with it.

But do i need again the localhost to run the GTK app ?
Because my main intention to create a GTK app is to not use the web browser at all.

So will my GTK app run only through a web browser, or can i also run it as a stand alone app ? (accessing either the mysql or SQLite database)

Please clarify. 🙂

dskanth

FYI, My another intention to use GTK is to not show the source code to the client. 🙂

dagon

dskanth;10957356 wrote:
FYI, My another intention to use GTK is to not show the source code to the client. 🙂

If that was your only reason, you would be better of using zend encoder or ionCube

dskanth

Hello, iam not able to decide which would be the better optino for me, whether to go ahead with developing a GTK app, or convert a php web app into an .exe file.

I need a database in either case, whether mysql or SQLite.

As you know, my intention is not only to hide the code from client, but also to run it as a stand alone app, with out the need of a web browser.

But please some one let me know how to go ahead with this.
Any help is greatly appreciated. 🙂

dskanth

hi, i have come across this software, that claims to convert the php app into a standalone app: http://www.roadsend.com

dskanth

I also came across this tool, Servertogo.

Server2Go is a Webserver that runs out of the box without any installation and on write protected media. This means that web applications based on Server2Go can be used directly from cdrom, a usb stick or from any folder on a hard disk without the hassle of configuring Apache, PHP or MySQL.
Server2Go allows you to create a standalone working web site or PHP application on a CD-ROM. 🙂

Wanna try it out.