Comparison and Rule-Based Implementation in IMA-NET of PHP Compression Functions

Often, choosing the right file compression method to use, especially when we are developing a web application, can be a difficult task as we have to consider server storage limits and application performance. To facilitate developers' work, a study regarding which compression algorithm suits specific file types was performed. This study deals with a comprehensive comparison of PHP functions designed for data compression through a series of experiments and case studies, the functions' effectiveness across different types of data, varying compression ratios, and computational requirements are assessed. Afterward, the results gathered are implemented into a new feature developed for a real-life application called IMA-NET. The Innovative e-Management Platform for Academic Network (IMA-NET), created three years ago, has as its main goal to digitally manage different courses and events organized by the Central European Exchange Program for University Studies (CEEPUS) network. The application allows for collecting valuable information like students' preferred topics, feedback regarding the organized event, or generating certificate templates for the participants. After different successful probations of this application, built on top of PHP, we implemented the results of this paper into the new feature added to increase the inter activity among teachers and students inside the application by giving them the possibility to share materials among each other. Notably, the article investigates the interplay between the choice of compression function and the nature of data being compressed, guiding the selection of the optimal function for specific use cases. The results obtained empower developers to make informed and rules-based assisted choices when implementing data compression solutions in PHP-based applications, ultimately leading to more efficient, responsive, and user-friendly web experiences.