Uploads & multiple uploads are working. Binary files are checked for a known extenstion, then converted to thumbnails.
I had to make a choice - the thumbnails are all JPG format, because of the Unisys patent. No reason to make it complicated....
But, interestingly, NN 4.7 (at least) and the last few versions of MSIE will display an image based on the CONTENT of the file, not the file extension. What this means, is that if you have a FileName_01.gif file,and convert it, the output name could be FileName_01.gif, even though the format is JPG.
I'm not sure I'll allow this, as it's really bad form... but, it's a possibility.
The library I'm using will allow rotation, border, drop-shadow, and resizing. Other features may be added in, but for now, I'm trying to stick with easily available, or easily rewritten routines and utilities (so far NetPBM and Image::Size, both easily installed from CPAN).
I should have a demo shortly that will allow uploads, and display the thumbnail to you, (I'll delete that directory on a regular basis <G>), and some connection to Links SQL too. (entering a record).
I'm excited about this :) (as if you couldn't tell).
Right now the features are:
1) Links are "images" (my postcards.com site, for example).
2) Display in several customizable formats (and you can make your own)
3) Compatibility with the Links error/template system for integration into your site.
4) Images can be uploaded via HTML by browsing your machine.
5) Images uploaded will be automatically thumbnailed, and set to "pending"
6) Ht/Width/Size information inserted into the database record.
7) Extension-oblivious format determination -- to properly set the file extension for download (do you trust your users?? <G>)
Anyway, that is where I'm at now.
By tomorrow, I hope to have the "add_image.cgi" working, which is how to add an image-link to Links.
After that, I'll need to make some changes to the Links database structures, to accomodate the images, and handle "isImage" and "Gallery" status properly.
Hopefully, after that, a final "alpha" can be released.
It will _not_ be a plug-in at this time. Hopefully, during the beta it will be, but I have a feeling that may require waiting for the 2.0 version as I indicated previously.
BTW: If anyone is interested:
This will have more features than amost any other gallery program out there, and will of course integrate as fully as possible with your existing Links SQL site. It's born of need on our own sites, so it's been well thought out, and will be maintained for the forseeable future (it's not a hit and run). Our sites have been live since 1993. Our Digital Images have been circulating since about 1985 or 86. We'll have image subscriptions to populate your card sites with our own brand of humor -- no animations or non-family safe stuff.
This is a major add-on to Links SQL. Pricing will be $125 for the complete package during the alpha/beta stages, to anyone who wants to install it and feedback. (THAT is important.. you actually have to try to run it and let me see what you are doing!) And, will include life-time updates. After that, the price will be $250, and include updates through one major version upgrade ie: 1.x -> 2.0, 2.x -> 3.0, etc. The complete package will be defined on our site, but will include the upload scripts (images and non-images), image upload, thumbnailer, image gallery templates (basic), postcards script (including addresses, image tracking, favorites, custom templates, and more), and anything else that comes along during development (including eventually integrating with GossamerMail for giving users postcards/email accounts as well!). Our goal is to rival some of the larger stock-image houses, not the "thumbnail galleries" or "tgp" scripts. I will do my best to keep pace with GT's release of plug-ins, file attachments, user-authentication, etc. As you know, Our sites are based on these scripts, so it _is_ our job, and in our interest to keep them updated, and working. You also know how I feel about easy to maintain code, and upgradability, so nothing cuts corners or is a black-box 'hack'.
All code requires a working install of Links SQL 2.0. It will also require the installation of some additional perl modules via CPAN, not a problem for dedicated servers.
Once the first release is out, I'll move all discussion to my site, to not clutter this one, and just post updates here.
Thanks for all the feedback, suggestions, and site-pointers! Please keep them coming. I can't do everything, in every way, but the more "needs" expressed, the more flexible the base code will be.
Nothing is being hardcoded (except a few "assumptions" as explained before), and the configuration is done via a long, long list of user-selectable behaviors, from directories and paths to sizes and attributes.
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