PHP htpasswrd generator...how is it done?

[AdRock]

I don't need a login system for a website I have built but i do have an area which needs to be protected so i use htaccess.

 

I want to be able to change the password using a form in the protected area if possible but don't know how i would go about changin gthe password.

 

I know how to open and edit a file but is it possible to open and edit a .htpasswrd file using php? And how do i create the password from the given username.

 

If someone could tell me how to do it i'll have a go at coding it as  don't know how the password is generated

[phpzone]

<?php
function create_htpasswd( $clearTextPassword ) 
{      

        $password = crypt($clearTextPassword, base64_encode($clearTextPassword));

        return $password;

}
?>