What is the best way to build a non web browser stand alone php app that works with some sort of database without requiring the user to install a database server. Or am i just asking too much?
+5
A:
Embed the SQLite database in your app, then configure PHP to talk to the SQLite database:
runako
2009-05-01 05:37:38
It still wouldn't be a "standalone" as you'd need to install a PHP interpreter. And without a browser, it'll basically be a command-line script.
Calvin
2009-05-01 05:59:33
Good point. Then again, the command-line script requires a command-line interpreter, which requires other components. Pretty much won't be standalone unless he writes in ML against the machine, eh? Then again, he did ask for a PHP solution, so I think we can assume a working PHP interpreter. This solution will prevent the need for a database server and a web server, which was the question. (He wants a command-line script as his result, re-read the question.)
runako
2009-05-01 06:28:06
He only asked that the user not have to install a DBMS not that the use not have to install PHP.
jmucchiello
2009-05-02 00:37:03
A:
Take a look at this 3 links
PHP GTKenter code here
http://gtk.php.net/
FLEX http://www.adobe.com/products/flex/?promoid=BPDEQ
AIR http://www.adobe.com/products/air/
I think any those will help you, check it out.
Oakcool
2009-05-01 06:39:50
+6
A:
If you're targeting Windows, try WinBinder. It allows you to develop native Windows applications using PHP.
It also supports SQLite, so you don't need a database server.
Steven Richards
2009-05-01 06:49:10
Looks like this may not be an ideal choice — they clearly label it as being "under development", but no new releases have been made since 2006.
Ben Blank
2009-05-02 00:01:22
True. The forums are still active and WinBinder's developer still posts; basically, the project needs either funding or additional developers to continue. Part of the problem is that most PHP developers don't know C, which makes it difficult for people interested in this type of thing to help with development. In any case, WinBinder appears to be mostly stable and supports PHP 5.1.x.
Steven Richards
2009-05-02 00:15:46
+1
A:
I'd suggest you try miniPHP. It is basically an IDE around Winbinder; it lets you concentrate on writing PHP while it takes care of details like compiling the application. You can create either GUI or command-line apps and it works just fine with both SQLite and MySQL. It has a preview mode and some debugging capabilities too.
djn
2009-05-01 23:34:43
+2
A:
Have a look at php compilers, you'll end up with a binary for people to run. It could be a desktop GUI application, or a "web server in a box" type of thing.
xkcd150
2009-05-01 23:55:17
A:
Here is an idea: information can be stored in XML and thus usage of database can be avoided. That will work only for certain kind of purposes of course.
Petrunov
2009-05-02 00:13:24