Update the php-page when the database changes

[Apeli]

Hello!

I'm building a web based application with php and sql that basicly keeps track of how many rooms that are vacant in a hospital. The idea is that the application could work in realtime, i.e update the page on its own as fast as a room gets vacant.

Is this possible, or is it better to script an "auto update" of the page efter two minutes or so?

Thanks,

[Musicman]

Hi,

if this is a display for the hospital management, updating the display at intervals should be sufficient. If this is the "booking application" as well, the act of booking could update the display

Musicman

[Apeli]

But is it possible that the client's page updates if the dababase has been changed?

[Musicman]

Hi,

it is easier for the client to regularly request updates, than for the application to push updates. In particular, it can be done by a regular webserver

Musicman

[hunty93]

If you have a server then you could probably make a socket script to accomplish this "real time" effectiveness.

however, in my opinion , i think it would be more reliable to just run request a php script every X amount of seconds.
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not many web hosts allow sockets to be run properly , so unless you have your own server or are paying for a dedicated one that allows this. your stuck with using the polling method.

[Jeff2A]

It's trivial to have it appear 'real time' by having javascript on the page request the current status and re-display a portion of the page (a div, for example) using your standard AJAX methods. That's probably your best bet.