editlog
author: Ken Joyce
ken at poweringon dot com
Version 4.0
© 2026
A SYSTEM FOR TRACKING A TO-DO LIST, A LOG OF WORK DONE, FEES AND A TIME-KEEPER.
The package includes index.php, index2.php, functions.php, inc.php, foldericon.gif, go.gif, pause.gif, stop.gif, HomeLogo.png, several sample stylesheets and read_me.html. In addition, there is a folder containing a sample editlog.
Sample stylesheets are included. The "default" is style.css. Any of them may be edited to taste or not used at all. The choice select can be edited in the home page for admin and individually for each project.
Data is stored in text files in a directory on the computer on which the files are used, consequently PHP must have permission to write files on the server. The scripts have been prepared for PHP V5+
The system allows for multiple editlogs to be kept each in its own directory within the master directory.
Installation
Place the supplied files in a web-accessible directory and call it through your browser.
Using the password, an authorised user can use this index to create an editlog or access all contained editlogs - useful for the developer.
In addition, the password allows the user to use the timekeeper utility as below.
Going straight to the subdirectory without using the password (for example, https://www.yourdomain.com/editlogs/sample/) means the summaries, timekeeper, fees sections do not display. You may want clients to be able to make or read entries in the Todo and Action relevant to them yet keep the other details relatively private.
Using the system
Once logged in you may use the "Make a New Project" link. A form is supplied asking for a number of variables.
The variables asked for include...
- REQUIRED FIELDS
- A name to give this "Project"
- The URL of the site being edited (like www.sitename.com.au)
- A name for the directory to contain the editlog itself. This must be a legitimate name for a LINUX system: use alphanumeric and no spaces. It must be unique to the master directory.
- Show timer to non-login: Defaults to "No"; ie you might be happy for others (eg clients) to see/edit the To-do or Actions areas but not see/edit times. Set to "Yes" allows people who come directly to the editlog to see/edit times.
- Enable To-do and Action fields: Defaults to "Yes"; ie you are happy for those who do not log in (eg clients) to see the To-do and Action areas but not edit them.
- Show summary CSV data: Defaults to "No"; On Show Summary shows a field containing the data as in the Summary table in CSV form. This is can be copied and pasted into documents or apps such as a spreadsheet. It is not readable for most users.
- OPTIONAL FIELDS
- Mail to text area: put the email address of each of the persons to whom notifications of To-do and log entries should be emailed on separate lines of this area. It may be empty.
- Email from: the address from which notification emails appear to come. If this is blank no notices will be sent.
- Alternative url with username and password storage allows the display of a second url, perhaps to the database administration link.
- If not charging a fee set that field to zero; a greater value shows an authorised person a table and form on which to record receipts.
- Other optional fields allow admin to keep usernames, passwords and notes.
When the "Do Installation" button is clicked a new subdirectory is created and the associated files are placed in it (config.inc, index.php, log.txt, todo.txt, vars.txt) a notice is given and an email sent to those listed. Click the link to continue. Further data is placed in the new files and the new Project editlog is opened.
Users may keep a To-do list and a log of work done. Each entry includes the date-time of the entry and the ip number of the entrant. When changes are made to these records an email is sent to specified addresses, if supplied. This email includes a link to the editlog; this url includes a "key" value which must be supplied to access the editlog without a password.
ACTIONS AVAILABLE WHEN LOGGED IN OR IF "Show Timer" IS SET TO "YES":
Within each Project "Sessions" can be started and named, then a date-time record is kept when the Session is set to Go, Pause or Stop. Sessions would typically be parts or stages of the Project.
NOTE THAT the summaries show the start and end time/dates for the "Session" and the actual time spent on the "Session"; time during pauses, obviously, does not count.
From these a record of time spent on each session and on the whole Project is calculated and displayed when the Show Summary link is clicked.
On the Summary table the Session number is clickable so the Details of the Session can be seen; that is, when the Open, Go, Pause or Stop links are used. If needed these times are also editable - note that only valid values are accepted, meaning they must be both equal to or later than previous actions and equal to or earlier than subsequent actions.
The name of the Sessions can be edited and an "adjustment" time can be entered to account for time which cannot be conveniently covered, such as consultations prior to opening the editlog. Adjustment values can be negative to credit over-estimates or if the Pause or Stop links are inadvertently not clicked.
Below the Summary table is a field with the Summary of Sessions in CSV form - copy and paste into a text editor, save as a *.csv file to open in a spreadsheet or other program - a facility to allow simpler transfer of the data to give details for invoices etc.
When the Time Summary and/or Session Details are displayed there is also a link to show in a new window the Summary and Details of all Sessions - suitable for copy and paste or printing.
If the Fee value is set to more than 0 an additional table is displayed showing total fee, receipts, balance and a form to create a new receipt. Many users would implement a separate accounting system to issue invoices and record receipts; the Editlog gives a record of billable time and calculates an amount to charge. The receipting form is supplied to be used either as a local record or for a small organisation.
The Administration Configuration settings can be edited by following the Edit Project Configuration link. Settings which can be made are as follows.
A password is required to create or visit editlogs, initially set to "editon"; this can be changed in the Admin settings.
You may set a comma separated array of IP numbers - users coming from these IP numbers bypasses the need to login.
Which stylesheet applies to the admin page can be set, and also the number of stylesheets available to users.
The local time zone can be set; this ensures that times recorded are accurately related to the user's time readings
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