[Tut][PHP] MSN Status image

I was having a slow lecture, so I wrote this in class.
Forgive any spelling /grammar mistakes. I almost fell asleep.

 

So that's the sig i keep seeing in your sig on cruels.net .

 

You should really do a cache or something (I assume you didn't because the tutorial does not cover it) since the page itself used for checking loads slowly.

Is there no other way to check msn status other than using some weird site?

 

There's a way using fsockopen() to request from the server(s) directly. But it does use a bit more CPU time then most hosts allow, and some don't even allow fsock to be used at all.

This way is able to be used by a larger majority of hosts.


But what is the point of a cache is you want a live status? I understand that it would be quicker, but if you want too see some ones status in real time what is the point in seeing if they where online an hour or so ago?

 

Well, you could use maybe a smaller cache; say 5 minutes or something?

And I don't see it necessary to re-draw the image every time, as that would use more cpu every time you refresh than making the query to get your status directly. Maybe you could check if previous settings are same, and if they are, load from a saved, pre-rendered image or something...

 

Okay, I'll modify the code to allow for a cache, then update the tutorial.

Good tip cheers.

Update:
I've re-written the code and uploaded it onto my server, but I'll write the new tutorial tomorrow.

 

what program do u use for this? i know absolutley nothing about php...

 

You can install a program such as XAMPP or LAMPP to run the php code, OR you could upload it to a webserver with php installed (such as ULMB)

 

Install XAMPP its quite easy to use.
If you have questions on how to use it PM me.

 

ok thx guys... I will pm if I need help