Question

I am in the middle of creating a game server control panel and i have a few issues.

The control panel needs to basically issue commands to a remote Linux server, starting and stopping processes, i have the commands written for this, however the problem is.

1. I am not sure whether to just SSH in using a PHP library and then issue the commands OR have remote files on the server to deal with this. Which would be most efficient?

2. Is it even safe running SSH commands from PHP, using the root account? Even if commands that will be sent are hard coded.

3. If the remote Linux servers would need remote files, what language would this be written in and what functions are best?

If you have any other ideas of the best way around this, please share, i will be very grateful.

Thanks!

Answer 1

1. that is possible but only done in special occasions. Usually the simpler way is to use some form of reqeust protocol, like for example http and thus evoke predefined routines (scripts) on the servers side. What protocols does the server speak?
2. NEVER DO THAT ! Usually that would mean to grant root access inside ssh which is unsafe. you could also use something like sudo or suid bits, unsafe again. And you would even top that by send the commands, since that would mean your setup would ahve to acceppt any command it is given and execute it under root rights. Not a good idea…
3. Use any language that is available on the server and that you feel comfortable with. Does it really matter what language you use to express what you want to say? No, the content matters. Maybe the coice also depends on what type of access you chose. Some languages offer themselves more easily in certain situations.

In short: without more detailed informations only a vague answer is possible.