Read file change in php (linux equivalent of tail -f )

Question

I need to monitor the access.log of a website. I can use the unix tail -f in my php but the problem is that when the http server is restarted, the file is truncated and the read stops.

I need this feature in php.

you probably missed something in your question. it's not clrear, what functionality are you trying to achieve. is it some web online monitor with ajax? — heximal, Jun 27 '11 at 10:51

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 27 '11 at 10:50

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Haven't tried it, but maybe Inotify can help you:

inotify is a Linux kernel subsystem that acts to extend filesystems to notice changes to the filesystem, and report those changes to applications.

There's a php extension for inotify, see http://docs.php.net/manual/en/book.inotify.php

answered Jun 27 '11 at 10:50

VolkerK

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No sollution without adding a new extension? – keepwalking Jun 27 '11 at 12:57

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Aug 12 '11 at 09:26

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try using tail -F not -f -- this way it'll continue to monitor the file even if the file is truncated or deleted. it's not the best way though but saves the day.

answered Aug 12 '11 at 09:26

tunix

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Read file change in php (linux equivalent of tail -f )

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