API Development - SimpleXML

[NuWeb]

Hello All,

I have made a lightweight CMS with SimpleXML and Smarty. The idea being the database can be hosted on "the cloud" and the website on the odd hosting package.

The "content" part is great and working fine, Now im getting to the "management system" part, and not sure how to process data between user and server.

I first thought I'd append the API Request

simplexml_load_file($uri.'api.php?key=x&item_id=4'); 

becomes (on user submit)

simplexml_load_file($uri.'api.php?key=x&item_id=4&user_id=4&comment=xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx'); 

Then I remembered that URI's have a character limit so it would fail?

The next idea, if no one can correct the above or alternate method.
Is to use PHP Curl, to POST data to a listener and return a Fail or Success.

First API based website, so tad confused.

[AnthonySterling]

If you're going to this extent, you may as well embrace cURL and REST then do it properly I reckon.

GET, POST, DELETE, HEAD and so forth...

[PHPycho]

When web services comes in my mind, I always prefer SOAP. Though its a bit tough to start with ( as we have to deal with WSDL), once know makes your life in web service easier.

[Wardrop]

For any system dependant on http transfers, I'd always use cURL as it's opens up all the functionality and power of HTTP, and provides a better level of error reporting.

[Salathe]

Originally Posted by NuWeb

The next idea, if no one can correct the above or alternate method.
Is to use PHP Curl, to POST data to a listener and return a Fail or Success.

If you want to stick with simplexml_load_file then you can POST the data by using a stream context.

[BrandonK]

Ran into this problem just recently myself. I switched from GET similar to how you are doing it and now I am using POST via stream context just like Salathe recommended. The change took me roughly 10 minutes to figure out. I used these params:

    $request_params = array(
          'http' => array(
              'method'  => 'POST'
            , 'header'  => 'Content-type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded'
            , 'content' => http_build_query(array(
                      'postvar' => 'postval'
                    ))
            )
        ); 

[dowker]

Hey i feel this is a good work you are doing.

[xigmapro]

The idea what you describe a great idea!