Standalone PHP script with wordpress front end or plugin?

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I have a standalone PHP script that I would like for users to be able to access on a WordPress site (front end). It takes user input variables, creates an HTML file, and zips it with a stylesheet and images for download. Can I implement this with a custom page template, or do I need to make it a plugin?

I have done a good bit of searching, but have found most discussions on this topic refer to the back end or admin dashboard.

Any information at all will help.

Thanks,

John
#programming #end #front #php #plugin #script #standalone #wordpress
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    • [1] reply
    • Thanks for the info Peter. That's an interesting solution. To be honest, I never even thought about iframes... and you're correct, nothing needs access to wordpress dB to function.

      I did however consider storing part of the members data for later use by them, so a plugin would be needed in this case.
      Thanks again for your insight.
      • [1] reply
  • John,

    WordPress Themes and theirs templates should care about "site look"(including html/css/js, ie layout)
    WordPress Plugins should care about any other functionality.

    But line between themes and plugins isn't red. You can cross it. I did wrote plugins doing theme work and I did wrote themes doing plugins work.

    Main reason to make line between themes and plugins is to avoid problems. If you plugin stop - theme will continue to be functional.

    So, my suggestion - do it via separate plugin. In this case you will be able to copy it and re-use in the feature.
    • [1] reply
    • You're right CrazyCoder, themes are themes and plugins ate plugins. If I have to create a plugin, I want to make a good one. I was initially looking for just some added functionality to my site. But it looks like/seems as if it is not that clear cut. Time to learn everything about WordPress plugins... best practices & the whole nine yards. I have never written a plugin before, but it looks like I've reached a point where I need to.
      Thanks for the advice!
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    Standalone PHP script with wordpress front end or plugin?

    I have a standalone PHP script that I would like for users to be able to access on a WordPress site (front end). It takes user input variables, creates an HTML file, and zips it with a stylesheet and images for download. Can I implement this with a custom page template, or do I need to make it a plugin? I have done a good bit of searching, but have found most discussions on this topic refer to the back end or admin dashboard.