Using variable declared in URL?

How would I go about have a script do a couple different things based on a variable in the URL without specifying each variable within the script?
ex)
lyrics.php?fed=fedname would display a dir listing of everything in the "fedname" directory (preferably split into tables, but I didn't even look for that yet, so I'll try that later), and
lyrics.php?fed=fedname&name=wrestlername would display the file "wrestlername" in the "fedname" directory.
I don't know if this is possible at all, but I'd figure I'd ask, I looked through the php docs but didn't see anything

thanks for all your help so far John, I have it working except for one problem, the "." and ".." in the dir listing, I can't seem to get them to be removed, I get an error in that line of the file
other than that, its working great

I'm learning vB in school, atleast thats what I signed up for anyway, damned public school system

yesterday i started learning php. I started on a nice intro book "PHP Fast and Easy Web Development" before i get onto my Wrox press book. Guess what the exact page i am on is about.. you guessed it .. listing a directory :)

you are lucky. We never got taught to use a computer at all let alone programming (and i am only 19 so it was not long ago!).

I always think it is hard to be taught to use a computer and especially to be taught to program somthing. Seems something you just have to learn yourself with the aid of books (or online manuals for the experts here :) )

Take a look at this:

http://www.phpbuilder.com/manual/ref.dir.php

here's basically what'd you'd want to do:

$dir = opendir("/path/to/dir/$name");
echo "

Directory listing for $name

n";
echo "Files:
n";
while ($file = readdir($dir)) {
if ($file != "." && $file != ".." {
echo "$file
n";
}
}
closedir($dir);

or you could do this:

$dir = dir("/path/to/dir/$name");
echo "

Directory listing for $name

n";
echo "Files:
n";
while ($file = $dir->read()) {
if ($file != "." && $file != ".." {
echo "$file
n";
}
}
$dir->close();

[Edited by JohnM on 10-21-2000 at 03:53 PM]

I'm 13 and I learned PHP w/o any books... took me about 2 hours to read the manual on the basic stuff, and a couple days to get used to it...

I did not know that, thanks...but how would I be able to print a dir listing of "John", if the variable is "$name"?

When something is passed via the querystring (?this=that), PHP automatically converts it to variables.

For example, if you type "test.php?name=John", PHP would create a variable called $name with the value of John.

I didn't use no steenken book either (backwards redneck double-negative used on purpose)

.. but it helps to know C :)

you guys are so great :) lol

oops!

change this:

if ($file != "." && $file != ".." {

to

if ($file != "." && $file != "..") {

I can not believe I didn't notice that

well, the programming class is a joke, so it doesn't really matter. I only took it because I desperately needed an easy class in my schedule.

I learned PHP w/o a book.. tho I am thinking about getting Professional PHP Programming...

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edit

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