PHP spreadsheet data source

HI Experts,

I am building a simple order form for a client and they are scared off by the prospect of a MySQL DB.  Not sure why but they want to store a price list in an excel spreadsheet and upload it to the site.

Uploading isn't a problem, but is it a straight forward process to parse values from an xls or csv file into an array or session varialbe?  Any pitfalls to be aware of?

Thanks,

HNM
HelpNearMeAsked:
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Mark BradyPrincipal Data EngineerCommented:
I have done it before, it's not to bad. Here is a tutorial that will show you how to do it.

http://amiworks.co.in/talk/readingparsing-excel-spreadsheet-using-php/

They may not want to use mysql because they don't have a hosting account that has mysql installed or setup perhaps? I have found many such clients and have talked them into swapping hosting companies. These ays, if a hosting company does not have a simple program like MySql they should not be hosting peoples websites for money. Just my thoughts!

I would advise you to urge them to reconsider. A mysql database is so much better for storing and manipulating data than try to read and write spreadsheets. Once they have a DB setup you can create a XLS spreadsheet of any of their tables with a button click in php so they will still have their lovely spreadsheets if they want. A good website will be hard to maintain without the DB in my opinion.

Good luck with the tutorial
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adeelshahidCommented:
You need to be aware of break points and empty or incomplete data rows to continue on that inside the loop and to detect to break the loop when the data ends.
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HelpNearMeAuthor Commented:
thanks
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adeelshahidCommented:
thanks mate
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