Cups web server

[markosjal]

I was wondering if it is possible to get the CUPS web interface linux to run php . I ask this because it is installed and already running . I would like to work in additional printer and scanning related functionality through that web interface. It also makes perfect sense that it be integrated into the same interface.

[michaelrsweet]

@markosjal Yes, it is possible. Look at the http:https://localhost:631/help/cgi.html documentation on setting this up.

[markosjal]

Not quite so easy. I followed the instructions and after a cups restart PHP code is displayed on page .

So I made sure php was installed , but do not think I need it???

Now after full system restart the phpinfo.php page i created downloads in browser

PHP is not processed

Using Linux Mint 20.1 Ulyssa (based on Ubuntu 20.04) and CUPS from repos

[michaelrsweet]

@markosjal Depending on the version of CUPS you are using, you might also need to make sure the execute bit (chmod +x filename.php) is set.

[markosjal]

set phpinfo.php with execution bit chmod +x owner is root:root just like the other files there no PHP scripts are executed. Instead. phpinfo.php is downloaded.

There is something missing in the docs to get this working

[michaelrsweet]

@markosjal Can you attach the PHP file you are using?

[jschwender]

The funtionality is compile time dependent, in 2018 libcupscgi1 was removed and is not packages anymore in ubuntu and think in debian too. I am really not sure what that means, could it be that it is unavailable since version 2.2.9?? Can anyone confirm that it is working in other distros or Macos?

[michaelrsweet]

@jschwender The CGI support was simplified in CUPS 2.0, but unfortunately the documentation hasn't been updated.

All that is required is to create a MIME .types file (call it cgi.types) in /etc/cups and then list the extensions you use, e.g.:

application/x-httpd-cgi cgi php

will allow any executable file in the document root with the extensions "cgi" or "php" to be run as a CGI script. You also need the #! line to tell the system which interpreter to use, e.g.:

#!/usr/php -fn
<?php
...
?>

Anyways, I am in the process of updating the documentation and adding some explicit tests to the CUPS sources so this works as expected.

[michaelrsweet]

Documentation changes and examples added to Apple CUPS:

[master d03753f] Update CGI documentation and add testable examples for CGI support (Issue #5940)

and OpenPrinting CUPS:

[master 3318d9f4f] Update CGI documentation and add testable examples for CGI support (Apple #5940)

@markosjal Please let me know if these examples help you get your PHP scripts to work.