[thelist] Downloading a Compiled CSV File without timing out

[Gersten, John]

We had a similar problem a few years back, it was directly responsible
for us switching hosts. It sounds like that may not be an option for you
at this point, if so, sorry to be unhelpful. 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: thelist-bounces at lists.evolt.org 
> [mailto:thelist-bounces at lists.evolt.org] On Behalf Of Rob
> Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 12:37 PM
> To: thelist at lists.evolt.org
> Subject: [thelist] Downloading a Compiled CSV File without timing out
> 
> Hi List,
> 
> Long time no see, must be at least 4 years since I've helped out here.
> 
> I have a unique situation where I seek your expertise. My 
> hosting company uses a controller that monitors all php 
> activity. If a script seems to be running for more than 30 - 
> 60 seconds it'll will kill the script.
> 
> The situation is this. The client needs to be able to 
> download a csv version of the database sometimes with a 
> filter applied. At first it was fine because there wasn't 
> that much data, now the same script is taking this long 
> because of having to compile the csv file, hense timing out.
> 
> Some suggestions offered already:
> 
> Use the flush route
> Pros: it works but the output is displayed on the browser
> Cons: it needs to be a csv file. I suggested that I just spit 
> it out in a table and since they're in IE anyway, just 
> right-click the grid and export to excel. Not gonna fly.
> 
> Use exec() to call the csv build file and use Ajax to poll if done
> Pros: Sounds cool. bit beyond my expertise
> Cons: The query that gets the data can be customized by a 
> filter who's variables are stored in a $_SESSION array. Not 
> sure if the session would survive an exec call.
> 
> Ideas?
> 
> Robbie Smith
> Freelance Web Developer
> -- 
> 
> * * Please support the community that supports you.  * * 
> http://evolt.org/help_support_evolt/
> 
> For unsubscribe and other options, including the Tip 
> Harvester and archives of thelist go to: 
> http://lists.evolt.org Workers of the Web, evolt ! 
>