Call php function in backend of module

Question

I am trying to call a php function from the backend of a module (I'm using a custom form field). com_ajax does not work because it pulls the current menu item, which doesn't exist since it is not being called from a menu.

I have tried linking to a php file directly but that will not work because defined('_JEXEC') or die('Direct Access to this location is not allowed.'); is needed for security purposes.

I have also tried using JURI::base() . 'index.php?option=mod_myMod&task=myPhpFunction'; for my AJAX request URL while having the code block below defined before my helper class in the module's helper.php but just get a 404 (Component not found.) error:

$taskInput = JFactory::getApplication()->input;
$task = $taskInput->get('task');

if ($task == "importData") {
    ModPropertySearchHelper::importDataAjax();
}

I could create a separate component to handle this. However, that just feels weird and is a problem com_ajax tried to solve, so I would rather not do that.

Is there a way I could override ajax.php in order to support being called from a module's backend? I wouldn't want to replace it in case of updates and such.

Or is there a better solution to my problem?

Answer 1

For security, there are several measures in Joomla that prevent direct access to scripts.

So, you have to follow Joomla good practices to take advantage of Joomla CMS.

To execute inside Joomla, you have to create a component, a module or a plugin.

If you are looking to implement an Ajax query, then you have to create a plugin for com_ajax.

Using Joomla Ajax Interface

A slim, extensible component to act as an entry point for HTTP requests for stand alone modules and plugins, thus allowing for the potential of Ajax functionality in them. Com_ajax is generally used when you are not the developer of the component that the module or plugin is interacting with.

https://docs.joomla.org/Using_Joomla_Ajax_Interface

Answer 2

It looks like this module would allow you to paste in php, but I have not tried it myself.

But as Anibal says. If you are going to be using Ajax and need to interact with Joomla, you should use com_ajax and develop it yourself.

http://extensions.joomla.org/extension/blank-module