How to create dynamic, updating images?

[JsteRmX]

I was wondering how it is possible to create a .png image that is always updating, like the one below

the player count and graph are always changing based on the live server stats. how is this done? I'd appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction.

thanks =)

 

[Albino]

im guessing it is done via ajax and php.

the ajax is used to get the data remotely, and then php image capabilities are used to for them actual image.

 

[mwzd]

I'm guessing its a mod in the forum of the site you joined - gametracker in this case.

If you want to provide such services then the answer above is correct.

Good Luck

 

[xmeltrut]

Well, if you do it via PHP you don't really need AJAX, though you may still use XML.

The easy way to do it is via AJAX, just get a standard image and load the data on top using CSS and AJAX.

But in this case it's the first option, PHP script grabbing server varibles (if you're doing it internally XML isn't really needed as only you will see the mess) and putting it on the image using PHP's GD functions.

 

[AzN]

Using a dynamic php file that generates the image + mod_rewrite the file name to .png

 

[Sergio965]

Using a dynamic php file that generates the image + mod_rewrite the file name to .png

You hit it on the point.

[Oh, and you need ImageMagick, of course]

 

[weblord]

Create Dynamic Images with ImageMagick
http://www.sitepoint.com/article/dynamic-images-imagemagick
http://www.icemelon.com/tutorials/9/Dynamic_Images.htm

 

[JsteRmX]

great, thanks for all the responses! this seems to be beyond my current knowledge but I am now equipped to atleast start learning. yay =)

 

[alanpaladka]

Great weblord. Mostly these types of dynamic images are used in forum sugnatures.
I will try these tutorials pointed above.