Thread

I have an application where it would be useful to write certain channel entries to a standing flat file on a server (filename.txt).  If the channel entry is edited through the CP, those changes also write to the file.  All new entries and all edits will overwrite to that flat file.  To make matters even more complex, it would be ideal if html special chars were grepped into high ASCII.  Right now I am using LOW’s excellent Replace plugin to handle the latter.

Can someone describe how this might be achieved?

You could write an extension and use the entry_submission_end hook to write the data to the file. See http://ellislab.com/expressionengine/user-guide/development/extension_hooks/api/channel_entries/index.html#entry_submission_end

>You could write an extension and use the entry_submission_end hook to write the data to the file. See http://ellislab.com/expressionengine/user-guide/development/extension_hooks/api/channel_entries/index.html#entry_submission_end

Can you please provide an example for when you would call this hook?

I’m looking to do something similar and write entries to an XML file on the server, but how would I link my code that this hook?

Sean

I’m looking to do something similar and write entries to an XML file on the server…

Did you know you could create dynamic XML templates in EE? That might be an easier route to take with this.

What’s the purpose of writing the file?

We have a SWF file that gets its info from an XML file and the client wants to be able to update the info from CMS.

I’m looking to do something similar and write entries to an XML file on the server…

Did you know you could create dynamic XML templates in EE? That might be an easier route to take with this.

How?

I’ve created a number of dynamic SWF/XML interactions with EE. You don’t need to bother writing to files.

http://ellislab.com/expressionengine/user-guide/cp/design/templates/new_template.html

Let me know if you need help

So how does this work then?

How can I control the XML structure?

How can I control the XML structure?

You create the structure like you’d create any HTML page. Consider this question: “How do I control the HTML markup structure?”

You write it. Nothing special to it really. I imagine that since you’re working with a specific Flash file you need to structure it to the Flash needs. I’m not sure though.

Ah right ok.  Sorry I wasn’t understanding what you meant. 

I’ve just created a new template, pasted in some XML tags and viewed the rendered output and it was fine - just what I need.

I now can create a new channel for Flash content and use {exp:channel:entries} to build my XML…

However, in SWFObject javascript attributes array I point to content.xml.  I guess I now just point to http://domain.tld/template_group/template/ ?

@Erik Reagan

Thank you BTW - this is a GREAT solution!!!!!

Sean

However, in SWFObject javascript attributes array I point to content.xml.  I guess I now just point to http://domain.tld/template_group/template/ ?

Exactly. Just point to the template and also remember you can pass dynamic info just like in normal EE templates.

Yes, I have it all working with the SWF now.

Once again thank you so much for the help!

Glad to help!