Problem with maximum execution time

[Jakotsu]

I need to run a script which will take several minutes to complete, but the max execution time is 30 seconds and I cannot change that value.

Is there some way to detect the elapsed execution time of a script, in order to suspend it automatically and prevent the timeout?

Thanks in advance!

[vincevincevince]

set_time_limit(0); removes the limitation altogether
set_time_limit(X); sets the time limit to X

To detect run-time, use something like this:

<?php
$start=time();
while (($long_slow_loop)&&(time()<($start+25)))
{
...
...
}
?>

The 25 allows 5 seconds spare, you may wish to cut it finer depending on how fast your loop runs.

[Jakotsu]

Thanks, I'll try that.