xls to php calendar output for 3 cities ....

[davidlarew]

I need to build a calendar that populates based on a spreadsheet. Seattle, Portland and Vancouver, BC, Training, Workshops and Seminars. If the user selects one, two or all three the calendar populates accordingly. I know this sounds trivial but I'm forced to use an excel spreadsheet for ease of maintenance. Any recommendations and code samples are greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
David Larew

 

[jstreich]

Use a real database like Access. The ODBC allows you to use excel as a database, but it is NOT ideal. In fact it's a horrible idea. Or use Oracle/MySQL and create a pretty backend for the calendar.

If you're still insane enough to try google for ODBC and excel.

[plug=shameless]

http://game-master.us/phpx-3.4.0/

[/plug]

 

[KnotGoblin]

Use a real database like Access. The ODBC allows you to use excel as a database, but it is NOT ideal. In fact it's a horrible idea. Or use Oracle/MySQL and create a pretty backend for the calendar.

This is just my opinion, but from what david has said it seems that the spreadsheet remains some what static. (probably only chnaged periodically). So he may not need the robustness of a real database backend. maybe an access database at the most.

however, you can create an odbc connection to an excel spreadsheet with the windows odbc manager thing. there are excel drivers for odbc installed in windows. and there are plenty of php odbc functions:

http://us3.php.net/manual/en/ref.uodbc.php

http://us3.php.net/manual/en/function.odbc-exec.php

you may want to consult another forum on how to define the tables and such if you are querying a spreadsheet.

It may be a little more difficult to get the front end going, but definately less the deal with on the backend (i guess).

-Jer

 

[davidlarew]

Thanks for your help. My client decided to hold off for now.
David