Is it possible to encrypt a download link using php?

[mcmuney]

Can php encrypt a link so that it's hidden or expires after a download or x number of days? An example of this use would be on music download sites.

[Bradley99]

You can use base64_encode php function on your scripts to hide or encrypt your real url.

For example, lets say you have your url like this:

 

http://www.example.com/?song_id=451

 

well, if you use this code:

 

echo '<a href="http://www.example.com/?song_id='.base64_encode ('451').'">Song 451</a>'; 

 

you should see the url like this:

 

http://www.example.com/?song_id=NDUx

 

so now all you have to do is decode it in your browser like this in php:

 

echo base64_decode('NDUx');

 

the output will be 451

 

thats it

 

i hope that helps

 

 

[mcmuney]

That does help to explain the encryption process, but how will the encrypted link expire. Let's say I use this link (http://www.example.com/?song_id=NDUx), what's to keep the user who downloads it to send it out to all their friends from also being able to download the file?

[Bradley99]

http://www.phpsuccesstools.com/do.php?p=scripts

 

Go down to Click Based Expiration Link

 

Login with password: opensesame

 

And your done.