Background: I have a working website running an old Apache-1.1-plus-PHP/FI-2.0b4 that uses an NDBM file (has .dir and .pag) for htaccess control via the Apache AuthDBMUserFile directive. The NDBM file is updated on-line by .phtml (PHP/FI) scripts to add new users. This works fine (on RH 6.1) now but I want to upgrade the server and stay as stock as possible. Problem: Apache-1.3.x in the RH 6.1 Distribution has DB but not DBM Authentication built in while the included PHP2 and PHP3 Modules are configured to access only GDBM files. This seems inconsistent (DB in one part and GDBM in the other part of the same Apache rpm) I'm in the process of using the source rpms for Apache and PHP2 and PHP3 to build something that works for me. I think the issues include: - data file compatibility/ conversion about 12,000 user entries in NDBM file (dbmmanage view and import seem to work ok) - concurrent updates possible so reliable locking in the PHP module needed Can you give a novice some direction here so I can stay as compatible as possible with future (stock) upgrades. The choices for me seem to be: -Both Auth and php use DB (SleepyCat rel-1.x > rel 2.x ?) -Both use NDBM linked to DB (as per RH Distribution) -Both use NDBM linked to GDBM -Both use GDBM
The apache package's history indicates instabilities when linked with ndbm or GDBM, so I'd recommend using DB if possible. That PHP is currently built without db support is an oversight, and will be corrected in php-3.0.15, which should be available starting in the next Raw Hide snapshot. PHP/FI does not support DB 2.x at all.