Getting frustated with very less content{Docs,Blogs, tutorials etc} available on web on how to use JPGraph with PHP and MySQL. I then decided to work and post an article which will give a clear picture on how to utilize the same.

Lets start with the basics, tool required and softwares a must to have:

1. PHP
2. MySQL
3. Web Server {WAMP, LAMP}
4. JPGraph {Most Imp since we are trying to hack it}

Now, assuming that everything required is in place. Lets start hacking JPGraph!!!

First thing that we should do is to place JPGraph in the web folder. i.e WWW. Once we are done with the same, we can just run a trial on our localhost.

While hacking JPGraph, I learned that whosoever have Object Oriented background, they can hack in less than 10 mins. Yes, less than 10 mins. U ready? OKay…Go ahead.

include “/some folder/jpgraph/src/jpgraph.php”

Now, depending on the need, of what chart,graph or diagram you are trying. Include the respective header file also. I will teach u how to hack for Bar Graphs.

include “/some folder/JPGraph/jpgraph_bar.php”

Now, since we have included the required libraries. Lets get straight to create objects of the same. and then call the functions to add more features.

$graph = new Graph(250,150,”auto”);  // Declaring the graph and its properties
$graph->SetScale(“textint”);
$graph->img->SetMargin(50,30,50,50);  // set the margin to the graph
$graph->SetShadow();  // Show a shadow behind

Now, we will declare a object of BarPlot class.

$bplot = new BarPlot(“Here parameter will the data u want to represent can be sent through DB or direct array”);
$bplot->SetFillColor(“yellow”); // Fill the graph with yellow color
$bplot->value->Show();
$bplot->value->SetFont(FF_ARIAL,FS_BOLD); // use these fonts
$bplot->value->SetAngle(45); // at what angel you want the values to be shown
$bplot->value->SetColor(“black”,”navy”);
$graph->Add($bplot);  // add the bar graph to actual graph
$graph->Stroke();

Simillarly, we can do for rest also for Pie Charts etc.
Before I conclude I will give some tips on how to use the JPGraph reference materials.

1. Open the folder:   /JPGraph\docs\ref
2. In these you can find reference to all the classes and their respective functions, which makes very ease to access and use directly.

I hope this article will be of use to you. If you still have any doubts or issues. Drop a comment or mail. I will glad to help you out.

Happy Hacking!!!!
Cheers
Sridhar

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