JPL Gun Club

Introduction

Content files are used with the "index.php" file to dynamically create web pages. Modifications to a content file will be seen the next time the page is accessed.

Content files contain html commands and text that is inserted into the output of the "index.php" file to create a unique web page. The "index.php" file contains a common header, footer, and menu for each web page. An optional scrolling marquee is also available.

The use of a single PHP file (index.php) gives the web site a common "look and feel".

Note: Most, but not all web pages are created using "index.php" and a content file. For example, this one.

Summary:

The "index.php" file is used to generate web pages dynamically
"index.php" provides a common "look and feel" for web pages
Content files provide the information that make the web pages unique
Most (but not all) web pages are created using "index.php" and a content file
To modify a web page, modify it's content file
Modify "index.php" to change the common "look and feel" (header, menu, or footer)

Testing New or Modified Content Files

Create a test content file (for example xyz.txt)

Upload the test content file to the JPLGC web site

Test the content file using a browser. Enter,

www.jplgc.org/index.php?content=xyz.txt

Modify the content file, and go to step 2 until satisified

Replace the "official" content file with "xyz.txt"

Delete the test content file from the JPLGC web site

Content Files

activities.txt activities_pistol.txt activities_rifle.txt activities_shotgun.txt ammo_guns_acc.txt books_videos.txt calendar.txt calendar_maintenance.txt documents.txt faq.txt for_women.txt home.txt hunting.txt law_research.txt links.txt marquee.txt meeting_minutes.txt membership.txt officers.txt organizations.txt pictures.txt ranges.txt training.txt web_page_maintenance.txt web_site_documentation.txt

Note: content files can have any name. They currently end with ".txt" for convenience. (It is probably not a good idea to end them with ".html", "xhtml", "htm", etc.)

PHP Content Insertion Code

The following is the PHP code in the "index.php" file that inserts content file data into the output web page.


  <?php

    if (!isset($_GET['content']))
    {
      if (file_exists('home.txt'))
      {
        @include('home.txt');
      }
      else
      {
        print '<center>';
        print 'Internal Error<br/>';
        print 'home.txt file not found<br/>';
        print 'Please report this error to the webmaster';
        print '</center>';
      } 
    }
    elseif ($_GET['content'] != "")
    {
      $content = $_GET['content'];

      if (file_exists($content))
      {
        @include($content);
      }
      else
      {
        print '<center>';
        print 'Internal Error<br/>';
        print $content.' file not found<br/>';
        print 'Please report this error to the webmaster';
        print '</center>';  
      }
    }
    else
    {
      print '<center>';
      print 'Internal Error<br/>';
      print 'URL has no content file specified<br/>';
      print 'Please report this error to the webmaster';
      print '</center>';
    }

  ?>

Miscellaneous

Menu PNG Files

The common "look and feel" menu is made up of PNG images, and are in the root directory of the web site. More PNG images are available than are currently used in anticipation of possible changes. Others can be created as needed.

This HTML File

This HTML file is "hard coded" and not created dynamically. This makes printing the file easier. (No extra "stuff" printed, missing files not a problem, etc.)

Creation and Maintenance of JPLCG Web Pages

Introduction

Web Page URL

Testing New or Modified Content Files

Content Files

PHP Content Insertion Code

Miscellaneous