Math functions in server script

In my case I just use a LoadVars call to a php page to do string/numerical processing that is outwith what is available in asc.
I have apache run on a different port so it doesn't interfere with port 80, and then call e.g
my_lv.load(" http://127.0.0.1/asc_extend.php?func=somefunction&val=1234
The php script then returns the neccessary data. There is of course a time overhead in returning data this way, so this way of doing things isn't useable if instantaneous calculation is required.