koobas.hobune.stream
Is it feasible to use Dropbox as a pseudoserver?
I am planning on developing an online game which requires the use of persistent game data. However, I do not have my own server. Since I currently do not posses the funds to maintain a paid server, I thought of using Dropbox as a pseudoserver. Dropbox has its own API which is capable -- via PHP -- of authenticating one's credentials, and reading and writing files onto the logged Dropbox account. The files are all converted to text files to and from, but that's not really an issue for me. My actual concern lies in the actual feasibility of this idea. My coding skills are admittedly weak when it comes to networking and web integration, and so, while this idea may seem brilliant to me, it may in fact turn out to be a waste of time once I finish writing the server app and the client-side code. So, to those who are more knowledgeable than me in this area, do you think this would work, or should I pursue other avenues of "free-server-tude"? =P
Pursue other avenues for two main reasons.
One, you'd be breaching the terms and conditions of Dropbox usage, so your account would vanish unpredictably.
Two, your game would have to include the credentials to access the site, so every user of the game with even the most basic knowledge of networking will promptly strip them out and begin "playing" with your data.
yes, yes and yes ;)
+1
There are free webhosters available. They offer PHP + mysql support and something about 1GB storage. However most of these hosters also have some restrictions so you are not allowed to use it just as data storage / proxy / ... but when you host your entire game there (with website) i guess that should be no problem. This hoster provides a lot features and everything for free ;)
as a scotsman, someone just mentioned my favourite price! :)
$$anonymous$$, thanks. I've been trying to find free, RELIABLE hosts for a while but have been unable to do so. That's why I thought of using Dropbox. As for the EULA breach, I'm one of the many who always skip reading that, so thanks for bringing that to my attention. XDDD
As for the link you provided, I've read quite a number of scathing reviews on them and I'm fairly sure that I don't want them s$$anonymous$$ling my files and closing my account for no reason.
EVERY free hoster reserves the right to shutdown the service at any time. They can delete your account or just certain files whenever they like. It's the same with free-mail accounts. If they think they can't afford them anymore they just shut them down. All of them don't have to do this for your, so they can shut it down at any time. Dropbox is no exception.
