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Creating a graphing software
Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:24 pm
by parka
I'm trying to create an application that can turn data into graphs.
Not sure if PHP might be the correct choice so I'm seeking some suggestions here.
The goal is to have users upload their data files (TSV or XML format), have them analyzed and create graphs out of them.
The data is private so I'm thinking it should not be hosted on the Internet. That would mean (?) that users have to install PHP (with the LAMP or variations) on their computers. Installation can be tricky so I'm hope I don't have to choose that path.
Question is how should I create this software if I were to go with PHP? Or is PHP the right tool?
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I also know a bit of Actionscript and wonder if Flash would be better. Or even Microsoft Excel.
Re: Creating a graphing software
Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:27 pm
by John Cartwright
There are several good libraries in PHP to generate graph images, just google around and you'll stumble upon them.
JpGraph comes to mind.
However, I would definitely recommend flash for generating rich interactive graphs (which also look way better).
PHP/SWF Charts comes to mind.
Re: Creating a graphing software
Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:29 pm
by Jonah Bron
Having people install a LAMP stack would just be silly. You can keep private data on the internet; just create a user login system where users can only see their own data.
If you want this to be an application on the user's desktop, I understand Python has plenty tools for graphics and such.
However, I would definitely recommend flash for generating rich interactive graphs (which also look way better). PHP/SWF Charts comes to mind.
Or <canvas> ?

Re: Creating a graphing software
Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 9:14 pm
by parka
John Cartwright wrote:There are several good libraries in PHP to generate graph images, just google around and you'll stumble upon them.
JpGraph comes to mind.
However, I would definitely recommend flash for generating rich interactive graphs (which also look way better).
PHP/SWF Charts comes to mind.
Thanks.
jpgraph looks really great.
The PHP/SWF chart looks like what I want, except I've to code it myself as I need to distribute the software.
Re: Creating a graphing software
Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 9:15 pm
by parka
Jonah Bron wrote:Having people install a LAMP stack would just be silly. You can keep private data on the internet; just create a user login system where users can only see their own data.
If you want this to be an application on the user's desktop, I understand Python has plenty tools for graphics and such.
However, I would definitely recommend flash for generating rich interactive graphs (which also look way better). PHP/SWF Charts comes to mind.
Or <canvas> ?

My programming skills isn't that good so hosting on the web would be a security issue for me. I'm preferring the desktop application at the moment.
Re: Creating a graphing software
Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 9:33 pm
by John Cartwright
I would recommend you use a language suitable for desktop applications, such as c#.
There are utilities to convert php to binary files which can be used for desktop applications, but I can't for the life of me remember what its called and I'm on my iPhone so I can't be bothered to look it up, sorry.
W
Re: Creating a graphing software
Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:21 pm
by mkz
Here's a handy API for graphing/charting that not everyone has heard about:
Google Charts.
You use Google Charts by requesting an image URL on the the service's web server. You supply the parameters and data in the query string.
It's particularly useful for fast prototyping and getting some eye candy into a quick page. Just generate an <img> tag with the data in the URL and you instantly get something like these examples:
Look at the URL for the images, the data's all there. If you change a value and refresh it, the image will immediately reflect the change. There's full documentation on the project's site.
Re: Creating a graphing software
Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 8:51 pm
by parka
mkz wrote:Here's a handy API for graphing/charting that not everyone has heard about:
Google Charts.
You use Google Charts by requesting an image URL on the the service's web server. You supply the parameters and data in the query string.
Look at the URL for the images, the data's all there. If you change a value and refresh it, the image will immediately reflect the change. There's full documentation on the project's site.
Wow! That looks really cool. Didn't even know it existed. Definitely worth a look.
Re: Creating a graphing software
Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 8:57 pm
by Jonah Bron
John Cartwright wrote:I would recommend you use a language suitable for desktop applications, such as c#.
There are utilities to convert php to binary files which can be used for desktop applications, but I can't for the life of me remember what its called and I'm on my iPhone so I can't be bothered to look it up, sorry.
W
Google RoadSend or HipHop (thanks to PCSpectra).
Re: Creating a graphing software
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 4:21 am
by greyhoundcode
Jonah Bron wrote:Google RoadSend or HipHop (thanks to PCSpectra).
Unless I'm mistaken, HipHop isn't in itself suitable for desktop apps. Roadsend is (you can compile your code and incorporate a microserver) however - and this is just from my own personal experience - it is difficult to get it working, especially on a modern version of Windows.
A shareware alternative exists in the form of
ZPE, which does exactly what it says on the tin. Worth looking into if you don't want to rewrite your code in a more suitable language.