Random Images: PHP vs. Javascript

[HardDriver]

On an extremely busy, PHP/MySQL intensive site, would a Javascript or PHP random image generator be best? The image will be loaded on every single page view. Does a PHP script like this put a serious strain on the server?

[k0ng]

The work PHP has to do to pick a random image is pretty insignificant. If the server is really busy, a bigger problem will be having to serve numerous different pictures (cuz the browser might not have the picture selected already stored in its cache).

[Dylan B]

A php script like:

$pictures = array("picture1.jpg", "another.gif", "onemore.png", "hello.bmp");
$imagecount = count($pictures);
$rand = rand(0, $imagecount - 1);
echo '<image src =\"' . $pictures[$rand] . '\">'; 

Will put little to no strain on the server.

[dmsuperman]

PHP would be your best bet, as it would require pretty much 0 server strain, while JS is client specific and could cause problems for those without JS enabled.

[stymiee]

...while JS is client specific and could cause problems for those without JS enabled.

That's the key right there. With a PHP solution you virtually make this available to 100% of your audience. With JavaScript you eliminate a small percentage of users who do not have JavaScript enabled in their browsers.

[HardDriver]

Great, I think PHP sounds like the way to go then. Thanks for all the advice everyone, and thanks for the code as well, Dylannn!

[Dylan B]

No problem

[HardDriver]

No problem

Rep?

Oh, cool, took me a second to figure out what you were talking about. It's nice to finally have a way to reward all of the helpful people here!

[Dylan B]

Yeah, rep is an awesome feature.

[stymiee]

No problem

Rep?

Did you actually ask for rep??

[Dylan B]

I was simply informing him on the repgiving capabilities of vBulletin v3.0.3. It was his interpretation of said word to give said rep.



or something.