Question

I have multiple cameras sending images at random intervals via FTP to a predetermined folders.

For example:
recordings/camera1/images/ – for first camera
recordings/camera2/images/ – for second camera
etc

Each of them save images in .jpg format and then close FTP connection.

I need to call a PHP script after each time a new file is added. Let’s say whenever a new image is added into the /recordings folder I need to call the php script with

newimage.php?location=recordings/camera1/images/picture002.jpg

and so on.

The server is a Linux box running ProFTPD

How I can get this done?

Please note: Cron job is not an option as there will thousands of files and we are not using a DB. So we cannot find out if there are any new files.

Answer 1

I would advise you to take a look at the mod_exec of ProFTPD.
Here is a quote explaining its goal:

The mod_exec module can be used to
execute external programs or scripts
at various points in the process of
handling FTP commands. By conscious
design, ProFTPD does not and will not
execute external programs. This is a
security decision, as it was decided
not to allow ProFTPD to serve as a
means of compromising a system or
disclosing information via bugs in
external programs or scripts. Use of
this module allows for such external
programs to be executed, and also
opens up the server to the mentioned
possibilities of compromise or
disclosure via those programs.

You can also take a look at inotify which offers you to monitor system file activity.