PHP On-The-Fly!

Introduction

PHP can be used for a lot of different things, and is one of the most powerful scripting languages available on the web. Not to mention it's extremely cheap and widely used. However, one thing that PHP is lacking, and in fact most scripting languages are, is a way to update pages in real-time, without having to reload a page or submit a form.

The internet wasn't made for this. The web browser closes the connection with the web server as soon as it has received all the data. This means that after this no more data can be exchanged. What if you want to do an update though? If you're building a PHP application (e.g. a high-quality content management system), then it'd be ideal if it worked almost like a native Windows/Linux application.

But that requires real-time updates. Something that isn't possible, or so you would think. A good example of an application that works in (almost) real-time is Google's GMail (http://gmail.google.com). Everything is JavaScript powered, and it's very powerful and dynamic. In fact, this is one of the biggest selling-points of GMail. What if you could have this in your own PHP websites as well? Guess what, I'm going to show you in this article.

How does it work?

If you want to execute a PHP script, you need to reload a page, submit a form, or something similar. Basically, a new connection to the server needs to be opened, and this means that the browser goes to a new page, losing the previous page. For a long while now, web developers have been using tricks to get around this, like using a 1x1 iframe, where a new PHP page is loaded, but this is far from ideal.

Now, there is a new way of executing a PHP script without having to reload the page. The basis behind this new way is a JavaScript component called the XML HTTP Request Object. See http://gmail.google.com for more information about the component. It is supported in all major browsers (Internet Explorer 5.5+, Safari, Mozilla/Firefox and Opera 7.6+).

With this object and some custom JavaScript functions, you can create some rather impressive PHP applications. Let's look at a first example, which dynamically updates the date/time.

Example 1

First, copy the code below and save it in a file called 'script.js':

var xmlhttp=false;

/*@cc_on @*/

/*@if (@_jscript_version >= 5)

// JScript gives us Conditional compilation, we can cope with old IE versions.

// and security blocked creation of the objects.

try {

xmlhttp = new ActiveXObject("Msxml2.XMLHTTP");

} catch (e) {

try {

xmlhttp = new ActiveXObject("Microsoft.XMLHTTP");

} catch (E) {

xmlhttp = false;

}

}

@end @*/

if (!xmlhttp && typeof XMLHttpRequest!='undefined') {

xmlhttp = new XMLHttpRequest();

}

function loadFragmentInToElement(fragment_url, element_id) {

var element = document.getElementById(element_id);

element.innerHTML = 'Loading ...';

xmlhttp.open("GET", fragment_url);

xmlhttp.onreadystatechange = function() {

if (xmlhttp.readyState == 4 && xmlhttp.status == 200) {

element.innerHTML = xmlhttp.responseText;

}

}

xmlhttp.send(null);

}

Then copy the code below, and paste it in a file called 'server1.php':

And finally, copy the code below, and paste it in a file called 'client1.php'. Please note though that you need to edit the line that says 'http://www.yourdomain.com/server1.php' to the correct location of server1.php on your server.

Example 1

function updatedate() {

loadFragmentInToElement('http://www.yourdomain.com/server1.php', 'currentdate');

}

The current date is .

Now go to http://gmail.google.com and click on the button that says 'Update date'. The date will update, without the page having to be reloaded. This is done with the XML HTTP Request object. This example can also be viewed online at http://gmail.google.com

Example 2

Let's try a more advanced example. In the following example, the visitor can enter two numbers, and they are added up by PHP (and not by JavaScript). This shows the true power of PHP and the XML HTTP Request Object.

This example uses the same script.js as in the first example, so you don't need to create this again. First, copy the code below and paste it in a file called 'server2.php':

And then, copy the code below, and paste it in a file called 'client2.php'. Please note though that you need to edit the line that says 'http://www.yourdomain.com/server2.php' to the correct location of server2.php on your server.

Example 2

function calc() {

num1 = document.getElementById ('num1').value;

num2 = document.getElementById ('num2').value;

var element = document.getElementById('answer');

xmlhttp.open("GET", 'http://www.yourdomain.com/server2.php?num1=' + num1 + '&num2=' + num2);

xmlhttp.onreadystatechange = function() {

if (xmlhttp.readyState == 4 && xmlhttp.status == 200) {

element.value = xmlhttp.responseText;

}

}

xmlhttp.send(null);

}

U se the below form to add up two numbers. The answer is calculated by a PHP script, and not with JavaScript. What's the advantage to this? You can execute server-side scripts (PHP) without having to refresh the page.

+ =

When you run this example, you can add up two numbers, using PHP and no reloading at all! If you can't get this example to work, then have a look on http://gmail.google.com to see the example online.

Any Disadvantages...?

There are only two real disadvantages to this system. First of all, anyone who has JavaScript turned off, or their browser doesn't support the XML HTTP Request Object will not be able to run it. This means you will have to make sure that there is a non-JavaScript version, or make sure all your visitors have JavaScript enabled (e.g. an Intranet application, where you can require JS).

Another disadvantage is the fact that it breaks bookmarks. People won't be able to bookmark your pages, if there is any dynamic content in there. But if you're creating a PHP application (and not a PHP website), then bookmarks are probably not very useful anyway.

Conclusion

As I've shown you, using two very simple examples, it is entirely possible to execute PHP scripts, without having to refresh the page. I suggest you read more about the XML HTTP Request Object (http://gmail.google.com) and its capabilities.

The things you can do are limitless. For example, you could create an extremely neat paging system, that doesn't require reloading at all. Or you could create a GUI for your PHP application, which behaves exactly like Windows XP. Just think about it!

Be aware though that JavaScript must be enabled for this to work. Without JavaScript this will be completely useless. So make sure your visitors support JavaScript, or create a non-JavaScript version as well.

About The Author

Dennis Pallett is a young tech writer, with much experience in ASP, PHP and other web technologies. He enjoys writing, and has written several articles and tutorials. To find more of his work, look at his websites at http://gmail.google.com http://gmail.google.com and http://gmail.google.com

http://gmail.google.com

professional maid services Deerfield ..
In The News:

iPhone and Android users can reduce battery drain and data usage by restricting Background App Refresh to Wi-Fi connections instead of mobile networks.
Scammers nearly stole an Apple account by exploiting the support system with authentic-looking tickets and phone calls, users can protect themselves with safety steps.
FoloToy restored sales of its AI teddy bear Kumma after a weeklong suspension following safety group findings of risky and inappropriate responses to children.
Threat intelligence firm Synthient uncovers one of the largest password exposures ever, prompting immediate security recommendations.
Viral video shared by Elon Musk shows Tesla's Optimus humanoid robots performing tasks from cooking to construction, garnering over 58.5 million views on social media.
Chinese hackers used Anthropic's Claude AI to launch autonomous cyberattacks on 30 organizations worldwide, marking a major shift in cybersecurity threats.
Apple's new Sleep Score feature gives you a rating for your nightly rest quality. Learn how to set it up on your Apple Watch and iPhone today.
Essential phone settings to enable before losing your device, including Find My network, location services and security features for iPhone and Android.
The Fox News AI Newsletter gives readers the latest AI technology advancements, covering the challenges and opportunities AI presents.
Cybersecurity research shows weak passwords remain a major threat, with simple patterns and number sequences putting millions of accounts at risk.
New Android malware BankBot YNRK silences phones, steals banking data and drains crypto wallets automatically. Learn how this advanced threat works.
FDA approves first human trial for Paradromics' brain-computer interface that could restore speech for paralyzed patients through neural technology.
New phishing platform QRR targets Microsoft 365 users across 1,000 domains in 90 countries. Learn how to spot fake login pages and protect your accounts.
OpenTable now uses AI to track your dining habits and share insights with restaurants. Learn what data they collect and how to protect your privacy.
Google's discontinued Nest thermostats still secretly upload home data to company servers despite losing smart features, raising serious privacy concerns.
New Android malware NGate steals NFC payment codes in real-time, allowing criminals to withdraw cash from ATMs without your card. Learn protection tips.
DoorDash confirms data breach exposing customer names, emails, addresses after social engineering attack. Learn how to protect yourself from scams.
Concerned about Google's AI scanning your Gmail? Learn how to disable Gemini features that access your emails, Drive files and Chat messages for privacy.
Google warns Android users about dangerous fake VPN apps hiding malware that steals passwords, banking details and personal data from phones and tablets.
Apple's digital passport feature lets iPhone users breeze through TSA checkpoints this holiday season using Digital ID technology at 250+ airports.
A new phishing scam targets family photos with fake "Cloud Storage Full" alerts. Criminals steal credit card information through fake sites. Learn protection tips.
South Korean scientists create ultra-thin fabric muscles that turn clothes into robotic assistants, lifting 33 pounds while weighing under half an ounce.
Archer Aviation has acquired Hawthorne Airport for $126M to launch an LA air taxi network ahead of the 2028 Olympics, featuring AI-powered eVTOL operations and next-gen aviation tech.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Fake AI apps disguised as "ChatGPT" and "DALLĀ·E" are flooding app stores with dangerous malware that steals data and monitors users without detection.

A Time-Saving Programming Tactic that Doesn?t Work

Let's say that you have a software project that's under... Read More

The Opera Alternative

Security flaws have long plagued Internet Explorer (IE), the market-dominating... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains on Ctree or Pervasive SQL ? What to Do ? Tips for IT Manager

As you probably know, when Microsoft purchased Great Plains Software... Read More

How To Avoid Getting Hooked By Pfishing

"Pfishing", sometimes spelled "Phishing", is a word that's used to... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains Logistics & Warehouse Management ? Implementation & Customization Highlights

Logistics automation is often considered as barcoding extension to Sales... Read More

Why Java RDBMS?

It is a well known fact that Java as a... Read More

Microsoft CRM for Large Corporation ? Security

Microsoft Business Solutions CRM proved to be reliable solution in... Read More

OEComplete ? A Personal Information Manager

OEComplete is a utility for managing the personal information of... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains: carpet, textile, fabric, felt distributor ? implementation overview

In this small article we will show you the possible... Read More

Guide to Software Marketing

Intro This concise article will tell you in plain English... Read More

Can Group Collaboration Software Meet Business Needs?

According to a survey conducted by InfoTrends/CAP Ventures entitled "Content-Centric... Read More

10 Programming Tips

(1) Avoid using the same variable again and again for... Read More

The Importance of Timely Timesheets

Whether you are a small consultancy firm, a medium sized... Read More

eConnect: eCommerce Development for Microsoft Great Plains

Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains has several options to enable... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains Customization: Project Organization ? International Business Example

Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains fits to majority of horizontal... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains - Microsoft RMS Integration ? overview

Microsoft Great Plains and Microsoft Retail Management System (Microsoft RMS)... Read More

The Dirt on Screensavers

Remember back in the days where screensavers were the coolest... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains Integrations ? Retail Management Sample

Microsoft Business Solutions is emerging as very attractive vendor for... Read More

Microsoft Business Solutions Customization Options - Overview for Programmer

Several years ago Microsoft purchased Great Plains Software, then Navision... Read More

Great Plains Custom Development: Dexterity, VBA, SQL, Crystal, eConnect ? Overview For Programmer

Microsoft Great Plains is main Microsoft Business Solutions accounting package... Read More

Explore the Internet in a Whole New Way

For a long time now Microsoft's Internet Explorer has ruled... Read More

Information Products: A Business Owners Best Friend

We live in a post-industrial age where information is the... Read More

How a Bug Challenges to a Software Professional

It is really interesting that a bug can create problem... Read More

The Top 5 Wrong Reasons For Not Hiring Testers

Considering whether or not your software company should hire a... Read More

Daffodil DB: Web Database

What is a Web Database?A web database is a database... Read More

quick home cleaning Lake Forest ..