Date Function

[itechC]

Hi all,

I need to display the current date everytime a user clicks to download a certain file. Example if the user downloads a pdf on sept 3 then again on sept 8 i would like to display the last time the user viewed that pdf.

Thanks

 

[KempCGDR]

When they visit a page, check the cookies array for the last date they visited and use that if it's there. Then write the current date to a cookie, so it's available for step 1 next time.

 

[sleipnir214]

Keep in mind that the only way this is possible is to write a PHP script that streams out the file.

If your link looks like &quot;<a href=&quot;

http://yourserver/yourfile.pdf&quot;>Your

File</a>&quot;, it won't work because PHP will never be involved in the retrieval.

You'll have to write a PHP script that sends the file. You're link would look something like &quot;<a href=&quot;

http://yourserver/yourstreamingscript.php?filename=yourfile.pdf>Your

File</a>&quot;


Also keep in mind that the only way to do this deterministically is to be able to uniquely identify the user.

If you require a user login, you can use PHP code to fetch the last download date. I'd store the data in a MySQL database.

If you do not require user logins, there is no way to deterministically identify a particular user. Cookies are a partial solution -- but a user can always clear his cookie store.

Want the best answers? Ask the best questions:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

TANSTAAFL!!

 

[KempCGDR]

I was thinking more of him showing the date on the page next to the link or wherever, just before the user downloads it.