alternative solution to ASP include function?

Personally, I'd stick with the replace method you are currently using. If you really want to use a variable in your global file then you can use these methods:

<%
Sub parseASP(ASPCode)
     dim y, x
     dim lasterror
     y = -1
     x = Instr(1, ASPCode, "<%")
     Do Until x = 0
       if x <> 1 then Response.Write(Mid(ASPCode, (y + 2), x - (y + 2)))
       y = InStr(x + 2, ASPCode, CHR(37) & ">")
       if y = 0 then response.write("Error: Unterminated delimiter found."):Response.End
       On Error Resume Next
       Execute(Mid(ASPCode, x + 2, y - x - 2))
       lasterror = err.number
       if lasterror <> 0 then
           Response.Write("<font color='red'>VBScript Runtime error:</font> " & lasterror & "<br>" & err.Description & "<br>Source: " & err.Source & "<br>")
       end if
       On Error Goto 0
       x = Instr(x + 2, ASPCode, "<" & CHR(37))
     Loop
     Response.Write(Mid(ASPCode, y + 2))
End Sub

function getFileContents(strIncludeFile)
  dim objFSO, objText, strPage
  set objFSO = Server.CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
  set objText = objFSO.OpenTextFile(strIncludeFile)
  getFileContents = objText.ReadAll()
  objText.close
  set objText = nothing
  set objFSO = nothing
end function

Sub includeFile(strFilename)
  dim sz
  sz = getFileContents(strfilename)
  parseASP(sz)
End Sub
%>

All you need to do then is pass the filename into:

includeFile(server.mappath("/myfolder/include.inc"))

What about including one file

and then having the include file in that file

i.e.

include myFile.asp




MyFile.asp
----------------
include myFile2.asp
include myFile3.asp
include myFile4.asp

etc ertc

I agree with java... that's all I do.

I have a header file that goes as an include in each file:

<!--#include virtual="/asp/header.asp"-->

In the header file I has other includes:

<!--#include virtual="/asp/config.asp"-->
<!--#include virtual="/asp/xmlcommon.asp"-->

Config.asp has all my constants and global variables and xmlcommon.asp has all my routines.

REA_ANDREW:
Come on, all ASP developers know it doesn't work that way and it is not simple as that.

thefritterfatboy:
For me, I would stick to the massive replace method I am using.  It is because my f*cking boss argued with me that there are some other alternate method that worked, and she claimed that it works (she hinted global.asa and XML file), which I believe it won't work because I am working on server side include, and I would agree with her suggestion if I am dealing with client side include.

If I understand your functions correctly, it means I still have to include these 3 functions in every page, it doesn't solve the root problem and yet created some other additional problem.

WhatIsTheJava & kiddanger:
My question is not about nested include problem.  in fact, the header.asp is actually includes many other ASP and function files as well.

I found this in the web, while trying to search for some answers... if only server.execute will not unload the script after that, then this function eventually solve my question.

http://www.4guysfromrolla.com/webtech/080199-1.3.shtml
Dynamic Include Files with Server.Execute
With ASP 3.0 you can use the Server.Execute method to kind of fake a dynamic include. With Server.Execute, the ASP page called is loaded, run, and then unloaded. This is great if you have some procedural ASP code you want to execute, but oftentimes developers fill #include files with commonly used functions. Assume that A.asp contains the code: Server.Execute("B.asp"). Because of the nature of Server.Execute, A.asp can't call any functions declared in B.asp! For that reason, Server.Executes are rarely useful for dynamic includes, in my opinion.  

>>If I understand your functions correctly, it means I still have to include these 3 functions in every page, it doesn't solve the root problem and yet created some other additional problem.<<

Yes - you still have 3 includes but look at the way you are now calling them:

includeFile(server.mappath("/myfolder/include.inc"))

If you declare a global variable in global.asa, let's say:

Application("rootFolder") = "myfolder/"
(placed in the Application_OnStart sub)

then you'd use:

includeFile(server.mappath(Application("rootFolder") & "include.inc"))

Or - if you'd prefer to use a fully qualified directory path:

includeFile(Application("rootFolder") & "include.inc")

We have a different philosophy on how to separate projects.  However, to use Server.Execute to dynamically include code, you would have to do it on each page or have an include file for variables so you're really right back where you started.

I have a test with numerous pages:

http://kiddanger.com/lab/serverdotexec.asp
http://kiddanger.com/lab/serverdotexeca.asp
http://kiddanger.com/lab/serverdotexecb.asp
http://kiddanger.com/lab/serverdotexecc.asp

Now call them like this:

http://kiddanger.com/lab/serverdotexec.asp?q=a
http://kiddanger.com/lab/serverdotexec.asp?q=b
http://kiddanger.com/lab/serverdotexec.asp?q=c
http://kiddanger.com/lab/serverdotexec.asp?q=d

Source:

http://kiddanger.com/lab/serverdotexec.asp:
<%@ Language=VBScript %>
<%
Option Explicit
Response.Buffer = True

dim q
q = server.HTMLEncode(replace(replace(replace(Request.QueryString("q"),"'","''"),";",""),"--",""))
Response.Write Request.ServerVariables("SCRIPT_NAME") & "<br />" & vbCrLf

if q <> "" Then
  select case q
    case "a"
      server.execute "/lab/serverdotexeca.asp"
    case "b"
      server.execute "/lab/serverdotexecb.asp"
    case "c"
      server.execute "/lab/serverdotexecc.asp"
    case else
     Response.Write "Nice try!"
     Response.End
  end select
end if
%>

http://kiddanger.com/lab/serverdotexeca.asp:
<%@ Language=VBScript %>
<%
Option Explicit
Response.Buffer = True
Response.Write "This is serverdotexeca.asp<br />" & vbCrLf
%>

http://kiddanger.com/lab/serverdotexecb.asp:
<%@ Language=VBScript %>
<%
Option Explicit
Response.Buffer = True
Response.Write "This is serverdotexecb.asp<br />" & vbCrLf
%>

http://kiddanger.com/lab/serverdotexecc.asp:
<%@ Language=VBScript %>
<%
Option Explicit
Response.Buffer = True
Response.Write "This is serverdotexecc.asp<br />" & vbCrLf
%>

I am using a select case and coding the variables.  You would need this is all pages and I see that as extra work.  You could just write a routine to open all your files and replace that part of the line.

or

You could use FSO and open up the include file you want, when you want it.  That creates more disk activity.

or you could change your path...

If you have all your files under /myproject then don't start at the root...
use include/header.asp, include/footer.asp

Then when you move the files to /myproject2 they work.  This may force you to work with parent paths, which I don't like but it would solve your issue.

>>or you could change your path...

If you have all your files under /myproject then don't start at the root...
use include/header.asp, include/footer.asp

Then when you move the files to /myproject2 they work.  This may force you to work with parent paths, which I don't like but it would solve your issue.<<

Personally, I think that's the best solution to this problem so far. My solution uses FSO and is more of a "hack" than a solution. Server.Execute is useless as I'm sure calvinfoo will want to call subs/functions contained in the include files and server.execute does not allow access to this (I'm not sure whether my solution actually allows access to any functions / variables to be honest - I've never used it in production)

You could use <!--#include File="..include/header.asp -->

Then the iclude is relative so no matter where you move the project to the file will always retain its relative possition to the include folder.

Hope this helps.

A

Well it would be less overhead but I hate parent paths.  I like knowing where I'm at and not wondering if I move a file to another folder if I'm here: / here: /asp here: /dev here: /blahblahblah.  And I despise this mess: ../asp, which is almost as bad as ./asp.  I think that's a *nix geek trying to code in ASP.  I think most of these are hacks.

I use VS6 and just make another website, create a new project and copy modular files I want to have in the new project.  No coding changes required.  It works for me.  I guess there is no perfect solution for everyone.

Oh, and Calvin.  I feel your pain.  You work for a woman who hints at what she wants and is willing to argue the point, but not specifically.

I think the reason she's being general is because she's talking off the top of her head and doesn't know for sure, which didn't seem to be reason enough for her not to take a side against you and argue her general point.  You gotta' love that.  The only other reason would be make your life miserable and it sounds like she's achieved her goal.  It's not you, it's them.  It just affects you.

I had a boss like this and I found that if you agree with them and ask for more detail, they either provide the information or talk themselves out of it.

Ex.

Boss: Me:

How can we do this?
Like this!
Why don't you research it?
I did.  This was the only way I could find to do it.  I google'd like a mofo.
Aaaaaaah, I don't like doing it that way.  Let's do it different.
It doesn't work any other way.
Well, I don't like it that way so I'm SUUUUUUUURE it works another way.  In fact, I read it once [12 million years ago when I was 6], in an article, in uhmmmmmmm ....ughhhhhhhh... well, go google it.  I'm sure you'll get a lot of hits.
Ok, sounds good.  I'll let you know.

(15 minutes later after visiting the rest room, kitchen and flirting with the gals in accounting...)

Hey boss, couldn't find anything on it.  Would you might trying to find that for me and emailing me the link?  I'd appreciate it.  As soon as you do, I'll get right on it.
Ok, I'll do that, this time, but you're going to have to learn how to find things with Google.
I'm trying boss.

(walks back to office never to hear of the issue again... ended up doing it the way I suggested in the first place)

Ok, I actually did search again and the scenario was changed to protect the guilty but it was close.  He'd argue just to argue.  You can't argue with your boss and win, ever.  Even when you win, you lose.  The best you can do it try to CYA.  What's that old saying?  Document, document, document.  As long as you keep good notes and do as your boss requests, you're protected, at least legally.

I also think using the relative paths is definitely the best solution.  

But in my mind, having to do a search and replace on hundreds of ASP files is really not a problem.  Write a VBScript that does all the searching and replacing and tell your boss that you can switch the path to anything you want and have it ready to go in 30 seconds.  That would be far easier than trying to setup some workaround or hack...

Agreed.  You could write that in about 30 minutes or less.

Alternatively, If using Dreamweaver, you could use the global find and replace, which will do the job in uder 10 seconds!

Use Find and replace with caution (Not un-doable) make sure you select the entire include statement. ie From "<!--#include virtual="/myproject/include/header.asp"-->" to "<!--#include File="..include/header.asp -->"

Of course thats only if all the files are on the same level! else back to peterxlane.

Regards

A.

Doing it in a VBS file and pass it two parameters and you don't have to load DreamWeaver.  Even the boss could do it then, or claim to.

I use HomeSite, doing a massive replace is very easy.

Oh well, seems like there aren't a solution for such problem.

After seeing some of the responses, this statement confuses me:
"Oh well, seems like there aren't a solution for such problem."

This question has been classified as abandoned.  I will make a recommendation to the moderators on its resolution in approximately one week.  I would appreciate any comments by the experts that would help me in making a recommendation.

It is assumed that any participant not responding to this request is no longer interested in its final deposition.

If the asker does not know how to close the question, the options are here:
http://www.experts-exchange.com/help.jsp#hs5

Huji
EE Cleanup Volunteer

This question was comprehensively addressed by a number of experrts.


Aplimedia

Thank you aplimedia, for replying to my message. Would you please be more definite, and tell me which comments you appreciate as comprehensive answers to this question?
Regards,
Huji

Relative paths is probably the simplest solution so nothing has to be changed, except using a replace method to change all the current pages once.  (O;=

A replace method will work and only be required once each time it changes.
A new boss is another alternative but he could get another woman and there may not be any grass on the other side of the fence or there may be a grass fire.
The method he's using now is working.  How often is he doing it?  Even if it's once a month, it takes less time than arguing with his boss.
My question is why tie common routines to project folder names?
/asp/anyfilename.asp

Each project can still have a project name and have an /asp virtual path.

>>huji


Its my opinion that this question was addressed at length and from various perspectives and methods. However, I strongly believe the practical and concise answer  was.

http://www.experts-exchange.com/M_3509416.html

Assist peterxlane

All objections welcome.

Aplimedia

@aplimedia,
Thanks again for your help aplimedia.
The link you provided is to your profile page, and you have to comments here in this thread, prior to my cleanup message. Did you think this comment {http:#14783425} is the answer, or this one {http:#14787187} ?

@peterxlane,
I want to hear from you as well please. It is important which comments we choose as the assisting ones during the cleanup process, since the future visitors will get reach the answers faster.

Thanks
Huji

@ sorry.. this addresses the crux of the issue.. {http:#14783425}

Aplimedia

Thanks again.
Huji

I had already suggested it here: http:#14783089

>>If you have all your files under /myproject then don't start at the root...
use include/header.asp, include/footer.asp

Then when you move the files to /myproject2 they work.  This may force you to work with parent paths, which I don't like but it would solve your issue.

fritterfatboy agree.

>>Personally, I think that's the best solution to this problem so far.

And, he still has to use the replace method once, as I stated here:
http:#15656781

So which one do "you" think is more fair: An accept, or a split?

Just to post my two cents and not seem like I've abandoned this topic! ;)

There is no solution to this problem that doesn't involve a replace of some form. It's impossible. Kiddanger's solution is my favourite and utilises a part of IIS designed to do exactly what the original asker is wanting. Not wanting to take anything away from the other experts, who also contributed good solutions, but I liked the simplicity and scalability of this solution.

What I forgot to add is if you split, then all valid solutions should be included.  This means fritterfatboy, aplimedia and myself.  I would include peterxlane but he was just agreeing with what had already been suggested.  The author can already perform a search/replace without writing a script.  We have to remember, this is not a daily task.  It is only performed when new projects come along.

If you're only considering the relative path, then I don't see a need for a split because they're different.

1. no parent paths in my suggestion
2. the conversation had already been going on for hours when aplimedia entered the discussion and his suggestion, although somewhat different and possibly requiring a security modification, was almost 2 hours later.

I really hate having to campaign for points.  The EE model is broken and should be reviewed so we don't have to go through this process.  We should be working together, not against one another.

kiddanger,
1) EE points are supposed to work as an stimulant for experts, nothing more. If you feel they are having another impact on the community, here is not the correct place to argue about it, as you know.
2) My task is to choose the best answers in the above comments. It may seem like helping "experts getting their points" at the first glance, but, at least in my opinion, there is a deeper reason behind this: To let the future viewers of this thread, reach the best solutions, without a need to read the whole thread. If it was only to let the epxerts get their points, I could simply report the first or last comment by an expert to be accepted, but I don't. I've asked you for your recommendation to help me make the most fair decision about which comments should be included in the acceptance list.
3) Just in order to clarify myself more, by asking this question:
So which one do "you" think is more fair: An accept, or a split?
I meant to know your (and others'_) opinion on weather a special comment can be chosen as a complete answer to the thread, or several comments should be chosen as completeing each other.
Thanks a lot
Huji

@huji

1 - kiddanger does have a good point, and I am guilty becuase I did'nt realy read a lot of his comments (Untill now!). No dis-respect meant to kiddanger, he obviously is a very knowledgable expert, however his posts here are a mesh of off topic chit-chat and valid ASP methods, and at the time I only saw the chit-chat and therfore skipped his comments.

I should have read them.

2 - The original question ends... "What are the available options I can look into?  Thank you."
I think the question was well answered because 'Several' options were presented.

Therfore revised recommendation . Agree with comment from Kiddange:

fritterfatboy, aplimedia and Kiddanger.

PS. It really is not about the points - but the principal.

Kind reagrds

Aplimedia

aplimedia obviously is able to get his point across better than I.  We are all here to help others.  I don't know why I feel guilty pleading my case for my suggestions, but I do.  I think I'm fair because I do plead for others when asked.

@Kiddanger

I think you are fair, and you were right and I'm agreeing with you...

Kind regards


Aplimedia

aplimedia...

Thank you for your comments.  The downside is my ex-gf's are going to start using your name with adjectives, like mine.

No comment has been added to this question in more than 21 days, so it is now classified as abandoned..
I will leave the following recommendation for this question in the Cleanup topic area:
Accept kiddanger's comment {http:#15665847} as answer.

Any objections should be posted here in the next 4 days. After that time, the question will be closed.

Huji
EE Cleanup Volunteer

I thought we were going to split?!