Time Restrictor

wafflestomper · October 2006

Is there a way to restrict access to a forum based on the computer's clock? I have my forum set up for my students and it is working great. But... I have a few of the munchkins who like to get on during class time when they shouldn't be on. Thoughts/suggestions?

Dinoboff · October 2006

Ban them.

wafflestomper · October 2006

I'll do it if I need to, but I'd prefer to have a "This Forum is Closed at this time" type message...

Mark · October 2006

I'd write an extension that redirects to the extensions page with your message during certain hours. Should be very very simple and easy to do. Something like:

<?php
/*
Extension Name: Time Restrictor
Extension Url: http://lussumo.com/docs/
Description: Closes the forum for certain periods of time.
Version: 1.0
Author: Mark O'Sullivan
Author Url: http://www.markosullivan.ca/
*/

$CurrentHour = date("G");
$ClassHour = 13; // Assuming class is on from 1pm to 2pm

if ($CurrentHour == $ClassHour) {
      if ($Context->SelfUrl != 'extension.php') {
            header('location: extension.php?PostBackAction=ForumClosed');
      } else {
            $PostBackAction = ForceIncomingString('PostBackAction', '');
            if ($PostBackAction == 'ForumClosed') $NoticeCollector->AddNotice('The forum is currently closed.');
      }
}
?>

This is untested, but the theory is sound.

wafflestomper · October 2006

Thanks Mark, that sounds like something that should work. If anyone (or you if you are willing, Mark) can add onto this as I know _nothing_ about php, that would be great (or a little lesson, so I could learn something)

I need to set certain times to be off limits, like 8:30 - 12:20 as well as 1:30-3:15 (that specific if possible). Except on weekends, when they can get on at anytime...

Anyone want to do that for me/help me learn how to do that? *asks sheepishly*

meadow · October 2006

I'll do that tomorrow and upload it if I can get to a computer, looks quite simple - good starting point mark O sullivan.

Minisweeper · October 2006

Try this..


<?php
/*
Extension Name: Time Restrictor
Extension Url: http://lussumo.com/docs/
Description: Closes the forum for certain periods of time.
Version: 1.0
Author: Mark O'Sullivan
Author Url: http://www.markosullivan.ca/
*/

$CurrentHour = date('G');
$CurrentMinute = date('i');
$StartHour1 = '08';
$StartMinute1 = '30';
$EndHour1 = '12';
$EndMinute1 = '20';
$StartHour2 = '13';
$StartMinute2 = '15';
$EndHour2 = '15';
$EndMinute2 = '15';

if ((($CurrentHour == $StartHour1) && ($CurrentMinute > $StartMinute1)) ||
($StartHour1 < $CurrentHour < $EndHour1) ||
(($CurrentHour == $EndHour1) && ($CurrentMinute < $EndMinute1)) ||
(($CurrentHour == $StartHour2) && ($CurrentMinute > $StartMinute2)) ||
($StartHour2 < $CurrentHour < $EndHour2) ||
(($CurrentHour == $EndHour2) && ($CurrentMinute < $EndMinute2))) {
if ($Context->SelfUrl != 'extension.php') {
header('location: extension.php?PostBackAction=ForumClosed');
} else {
$PostBackAction = ForceIncomingString('PostBackAction', '');
if ($PostBackAction == 'ForumClosed') $NoticeCollector->AddNotice('The forum is currently closed.');
}
}
?>

I'm pretty sure there should be a more efficient/sensible/whatever way to do it (and a way to have a dynamic number of periods of time) but that should do the job and I don't want to tax my brain too much for the evening...

wafflestomper · October 2006

I tried the above code, but there was an error on line 23 (on the less than symbol). Any other thoughts?

Meadow, I'm still holding my breath for your answer tomorrow.

jimw · October 2006

I think what he means for "($StartHour1 < $CurrentHour < $EndHour1)" is the the current hour is between the start and end hour. This should be:

( $CurrentHour > $StartHour1 && $CurrentHour < $EndHour1)

You would also need to change "($StartHour2 < $CurrentHour < $EndHour2)" to:

( $CurrentHour > $StartHour2 && $CurrentHour < $EndHour2)

Krak · October 2006

That worked for me. Awesome.

wafflestomper · October 2006

You are my hero. It works great. One last request? (This is inspiring me to try to learn a bit about php)

I want them to be able to get on to the forum anytime on the weekend. How do I disable the restriction on Sat. and Sun.?

meadow · October 2006

To allow them on during saturday and sunday, put this code before all the variables are defined:


$day=date(D);
$allow_day1="Sat";
$allow_day2="Sun";
if($day!=$allow_day1 && $day!=$allow_day2){

And then at the end of all the code (before ?>), put this:

This basicly means that if it isn't saturday or sunday it will run the main part of the code, and if it is saturday or sunday, it won't do anything.

alnokta · October 2006

Although I don't see a use for it now but I like it ...

Minisweeper · October 2006

Hum, you cant use 'between' statements in php? That's new to me. Cheers for clearing that up though guys. And sorry I forgot about the weekends thing..got a bit carried away. Glad it's all working for you though.

wafflestomper · October 2006

My use is for my middle school students who aren't mature enough yet to be left alone and trusted to do the right thing in other classes (not all of them, but a good handfull). So I need to turn off the forum during class time. This looks like it should work well. Thanks Minisweeper. meadow, mark, and jim. I really appreciate it.

wafflestomper · October 2006

Just in case anyone else wants to use this in the future, you have to change this:
$day=date(D);
to this:
$day=date('D');

Look! I did my first php thingy.... I fixed an error! I know. simple stuff...

meadow · October 2006

I've created the main part of a dynamic script, which works off a database, but I can't figure out how to add configuration options to the settings panel, could some one just give me some basic code to add text to the settings panel, or I could post what I have already on the internet and someone could create the configuration bit themselves.

Time Restrictor

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