Free Software PHP Comment System

[TildeHash]

Hello,

I am currently developing a Free Software comment system (AGPL) in PHP. I'd love to have some help if anyone is willing or interested. It doesn't currently have replies, which is a feature I'd love to have working. And I am concerned about my methods, particularly because it relies on writing the comments to .txt files, which requires a directory be readable, writable, and executable by everyone.

You can view my comment system here: http://www.tildehash.com/comments.html
And the source code here: http://www.tildehash.com/comments.php?source

(I posted this on another PHP forum, but they don't like projects... they deleted my post )

[greyhoundcode]

Might be a good one to stick in the Volunteer Work section.

Is there a reason you are using .txt files rather than a database?

[TildeHash]

Might be a good one to stick in the Volunteer Work section.

Quite true.

Is there a reason you are using .txt files rather than a database?

Yes. TXT files are separate from each other, if I add or delete one I don't have to worry about messing up the structure of a database.

[boredboy5]

Why would you need to worry about ruining the structure of the database? You could just create separate tables; like, basically each table is just a text file.

[TildeHash]

Why would you need to worry about ruining the structure of the database? You could just create separate tables; like, basically each table is just a text file.

Oh. Well, the last thing I remember about using a database is if you mess up and leave a newline, it won't phrase correctly. Would a database be easier / faster for PHP execution than individual files?

[greyhoundcode]

Would it be easier/faster? Depends on a number of variables really.

My personal rule of thumb is to do what I feel most comfortable with. For me, a database "feels" like the best fit here. Plus, if you are tying responses to user accounts, then it affords some additional security benefits.

Also, as you say yourself:

I am concerned about my methods, particularly because it relies on writing the comments to .txt files, which requires a directory be readable, writable, and executable by everyone.

Depending on how far you intend taking this project, might you consider implementing different drivers? That way you could have (perhaps) a flat/file (XML based?) driver as well as a database driver (which might itself utilise a SQLite driver, MySQL driver etc).

Just some thoughts.

But, basically, I for one would utilise a database.

[pickle]

Moved.

[prefer32bits]

This is similar to the forum system I've made :
http://bringtheweb.dyndns.org/~forum/

[wastedgod]

Just a couple quick suggestions. If you switch to a relational db such as mysql I would suggest using a nested set model for the comments and replies. Mysql's site has a good artical at http://dev.mysql.com/tech-resources/articles/hierarchical-data.html on how to implement one. This will allow you to place your comments and replies in a tree structure. Also can't recommend a template engine like Smarty enough. Takes only a few mins to get a "good enough" understanding and will save you hours when doing UI design and debugging.

[cpetercarter]

Also can't recommend a template engine like Smarty enough. Takes only a few mins to get a "good enough" understanding and will save you hours when doing UI design and debugging.

+1