echo?

[TheLostGuru]

I'm not really sure how to describe my problem.  I am trying to retrieve a variable from PHP and send it to Flash.  The trick however is the place where I am retrieving the variable from has a special API so that if I type <(FirstName)> (outside of the php tags) it will return the users name.  But if I use it outside of the php tags I can't store it in a variable.  The closest I have come is this:

 

echo '$name = <(FirstName)>';

 

However all this does is sends the variable name to flash with the value of "<(FirstName)>".  Any help is greatly appreciated!

[btherl]

What is the special API you are using?  Is it invoked after php processing is completed?

[TheLostGuru]

I don't know a lot about it.  It has something to do with xPML used at SMS.ac.  I do know though that if outside of PHP you put <(FirstName)>, that is changed to the firstname of the user. 

[btherl]

I suspect the problem is processing order.. that is:

 

1.  PHP executes

2.  <(FirstName)> is replaced, AFTER php has finished

3.  Page is displayed to user

 

But really we need to know more about the API to help.  How do you enable the api for your php script, or for your website?

[TheLostGuru]

Ok, here's the big picture.  I am creating a simple widgit in flash.  All of the PHP files and database files are hosted on my server.  The widgit is loaded at SMS.ac and people can buy it and put it on their page.  Now this is the part I don't know the reasons, but only the facts.  Using the GET command there are several variables that I can pick up from SMS.ac.  I can also use these built in things (I guess from the API) such as <(FirstName)> <(country)> etc... and it will supply with that user's information.