Page 1 of 1

word list

Posted: Wed May 09, 2007 8:28 am
by dillion
I am thinking of writing a basic word game using PHP and mySQL but for it to work effectively, I would need to use a central dictionary file (either a basic words list file download or to an free online service).

So basically you type a word in a text field then before you are given a score, the script would check for whether the word exists or spelled correctly.

I have googled everywhere for this file without success - maybe I was using the wrong search terms but if you have any ideas, it would be greatly appreciated. :)

Posted: Wed May 09, 2007 8:32 am
by Grim...
What is it you're looking for - a list of words?
Or a way to check for an existing word in a list of words with PHP?

Posted: Wed May 09, 2007 8:45 am
by CoderGoblin
You can use pspell to check spelling. To use it you need to have apell on your machine. You should be able to build/use a word list from the library.

Posted: Wed May 09, 2007 8:53 am
by dillion
thanks guys, for your responses and the links.

That's right I am looking to have a basic list of (valid) words in XML, flatfile, or mySQL so when the person who types in a word, the word checked against the database. I will only be using PHP and mySQL - I know how to do comparisons, etc. :)

Unfortunately, the "game" will be based on a shared server so installing any third party components is out of question. :(

EDIT: similar to postcodeanywhere or postcode look-up.

Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 4:51 am
by dillion
just a quick note to say that I finally found a word list file! There are 5 or 6 separate files and each word is separated by a line.

I am wondering if it is better to add these to mySQL for performance reasons or....?