PHP Flat File Suggestions

[Dillon]

Hello, I am learning PHP on my own, I want to make a flat file forum with php. I dont know where to start. I am not sure how to make an array for the language file or anything? Does anyone have suggestions how to start? What different methods would I have to use (functions, etc.). I have heard that flat file is terrible with big websites, because it takes longer to load... Any suggestions how to do this? Thanks!

 

-Dillon

[Mchl]

It's not terrible for big sites. It's terrible for any site that is larger-than-tiny.

You could start with learning about sqlite which is an embedded flat file database.

Or you might think again, and consider using some actual database.

[Psycho]

You are asking a lot to be addressed in a forum post. But, if you are new to PHP I would suggest not building your own flat file database from scratch. There are some freely available modules that you can use. Just do a google seach for "php flat file database" and you'll find some good resources.

 

But, a better question is why would you want to use a flat-file database? There are very cheap host (and even free ones I believe) that provide MySQL database support. Doesn't make sense to learn how to use some less than optimal solution when you can do it the right way.

[MadTechie]

As for creating a array for languages then break them up into files, (so you only load the required one)

ie

<?php
$lang = array(
"Hello" => "Hello",
"bye" => "Good Bye"
);
?>

 

 

<?php
$lang = array(
"Hello" => "Hallo",
"bye" => "Auf Wiedersehen"
);
?>

 

then you can include the desired language

ie

<?php
$langID = "en";
include $langID.".php";
echo $lang['Hello'];
?>

or

<?php
$langID = "de";
include $langID.".php";
echo $lang['Hello'];
?>

 

Hope that help,

as for the forum i agree with Mchl, that sqllite is a good option

[Dillon]

Thanks for the quick replies! I just figured it would be a cool thing to mess around with. Since there arnt many flat file forum scripts... I am just messing around with it to learn, I dont want to make a full forum from it. How could I set up sqlite? Thanks!

 

-Dillon