Authenticating Users Against Text Files
Not all sites contain a database back-end to store data, and some sites probably will never require them. Still, you may want to limit access to certain parts of the site or even the entire site. One way to do this is to authenticate against a text file stored someplace on the server, preferably out of the Web server directory so that there is no way it can be accessed by someone with a Web browser.
This method only requires the standard file functions, as well as the MD5 encryption function.
This script serves a dual purpose. It allows you to add users to a password file, as well as test authentication. This way, you can create a blank text file and easily fill it with some username/password combinations ...
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