I have a big Dudley (Doubt)

[Anon]

Hello!
i have a dudley (doubt).....

is this correct sent a full database record in a hiperlink like that?

http://mysite.com/customer.phtml?num_vehiculo=10&nom_vehiculo=STRATUS&mod_vehiculo=2000&color_vehiculo=PLATA&transm_vehiculo=AUTOMATICA&ac_vehiculo=SI&cant_pasajeros=5&num_placas=DSFS&descripgral_vehiculo=XVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

the record is 12 fields lenght, one field is 255 chars max...
This work fine!, but Is this correct?

or does exist another form of sent variables?

I'll be appreciate your help!

Thanks a lot!
Regards

Jose Lopez
[e-mail]

[Anon]

If you're using it to lookup data or to update data in the db the string you used would work, however consider using a POST method in your form rather than a GET. A POST method will hide most of the records from the user and avoid issues with a browser not accepting a very long URL. Also it'll make your log files somewhat readable again!

[Anon]

Here's why you should not use POST for this purpose: It severs the relationship between the resulting URL and the content.

This is particularly important in such areas as automotive and real estate sales. Purchases in this areas are big-ticket items and often involve multiple family members. If you create URLs that cannot be bookmarked and shared in email and instant messaging, you undercut the utility of your site.

I do think that some attention to the length of the URL is in order, though; shorter variable names would help.

[Anon]

Actually, you can have the best of both worlds. What is needed is to create a "personalization" feature.

Although you can not bookmark a page created using a POST, you can save the query on the server end. By having a "My ...Whatever" page, these queries can be saved for later reference. This does not fix all of the problems, but it is a start.

You also can include an "Email this Page" button which will send a static version of the page email.

That only leaves your point of Instant Messaging...

Best Regards,
Joseph M. Ferris
Senior Programmer/Analyst
CDI Corporation