How to detect the new version of a Javascript file?

Question

the problem is that I have a remote js file to include in a page and it has to be included the last version of it. To be more specific: The file is for example: http://example.com/javascript/v03/header.js The problem is that when they generate a new javascript file the url will be changed to http://example.com/javascript/v04/header.js for example.

The URL will be changed to a new version number.

My question is what will be the best/clean way to detect a new version of that file in Php?

Thank you!

If possible, I would recommend doing it the other way around: Get a local copy of the file and only update when you see there is an update and it doesn't break anything on your side. — jeroen
– jeroen, Commented Apr 12, 2018 at 13:07
Why not use version control and have the same name be the most current version? — kchason
– kchason, Commented Apr 12, 2018 at 13:08
@kchason It seems the external file is not under the OP's control so that is most likely not an option. — jeroen
– jeroen, Commented Apr 12, 2018 at 13:10
@kchason you are right and maybe I can run a cron job daily to check if there is a new version like increment the existing version with 1 and see if the file exists. — Beleiu Iulian
– Beleiu Iulian, Commented Apr 12, 2018 at 13:18
When new versions are provided on new URLs it is usually because you shouldn't blindly use the latest version of it, but upgrade only after careful consideration and testing. — Quentin
– Quentin, Commented Apr 12, 2018 at 13:31

Andreas · Accepted Answer · 2018-04-12 13:33:50Z

1

Untested but should work.
You file_get_contents the versions and when it returns false you have gone to far.

$link = "http://example.com/javascript/VERSION/header.js";

For($i=1; $i<100; $i++){
    $test= str_replace("VERSION", "v" . str_pad($i, 2, "0", STR_PAD_LEFT), $link);
    If(file_get_contents($test)){
        $latest = $test;
    }else{
        Break;
    }
}

Echo "latest version is " . $latest;

Then optionally you save the $i number somewhere and use that the next time you run it so that you don't need to recheck version 1-4 every time.

EDIT, noticed I had $str instead of $link.

edited Apr 12, 2018 at 13:33

answered Apr 12, 2018 at 13:18

Andreas

24k7 gold badges34 silver badges75 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

2 Comments

rob006 Over a year ago

Just a note: you should never ever do such thing on page generation. It will slow down page rendering and downtime of http://example.com will kill you website too. If you really need this, do it in backround via cron or some queue.

Andreas Over a year ago

@rob006 I think it can be used if used smart. Such as, you don't need to check it at every page load, once a week may be enough. If it has been checked this week can be saved in a textfile or database. Also I wouldn't want to run the js automatically, maybe make the page email me about the new version. This way it will not use much/any performance and example.com won't notice your pinging.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

How to detect the new version of a Javascript file?

1 Answer 1

2 Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

2 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related