print to a network printer using PHP

Question

is it possible to print directly to a network printer with PHP using LPR or something similar?

any pointers?

thanks.

Answer 1

Sure is. If you are on Linux do use LPR.

exec("lpr -P 'printer' -r 'filename.txt'");

More on LPR commands. Take a look into LPR docs. You can easily show the print-queue and more from PHP.

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If you are on Windows use print

exec("print /d:LPT2: C:\filename.txt");

More on print syntax
Or take a look into this guide that has a deeper explanation of command-line printing.