[Phpgroupware-developers] GTK... anyone?

[Michael Dransfield]

I am looking into writing a PHP-GTK (http://gtk.php.net) application 
framework for phpgw.  I have so far developed an application framework 
which can different GUI's into the main application.  So long as modules 
keep to using class files for the major work, and templates for producing 
output, I dont see too much difficulty porting applications to work inside 
this framework.

GTK applications are different from web applications in these ways...

1: NO cookies or sessions.
2: Header calls and other HTTP related functions are not allowed (dont make 
sense)
3: Functions are called by using callbacks - these must be connected when 
the module is (re)loaded

The UI is built from glade files (xml files) and each module is loaded into 
this main window using glade-fragments (glade files which have been 
manually hacked so not to include a surrounding window or dialog).

I have written a function which simulates posting to a form (because 
register_globals is on), I have found that the most simple way to write an 
application is to use a index (switch file).  I would then attach 
callbacks, which can then parse the module file XML file in the same way as 
a template and then load it into the application.  Extra files could be 
included which can represent a dialog box.  OK and cancel buttons can be 
added to replicate a HTML form.

I am having problems with session management and would like suggestions on 
the best way to proceed.  I am not familiar with how all of the API works 
(in-fact, I am very unfamiliar with it).  Could the session class be 
modified / extended to use constants instead of cookie/session vars.  There 
is only one 'page' to the application so it will be available to all modules.

Maybe I should explain my reasoning for wanting such an applicatoin.  I 
would like to have the ability to store emails on a local machine (in the 
same way as outlook does).  I have written class extensions which can save 
and restore list-box values from files on the local machine.  Would it be 
possible to add an OFFLINE mode which will make it possible to read 
emails/todo/calendar etc without connecting to the remote server (or using 
a local sql DB).

Any comments / suggestions would be greatly appreaciated.

Regards
Mike

If anyone would like to have a look at the (patchy) application so far... 
write to me and ill send you a copy.