better way to check form submissions than isset()?

_0_05_

Im trying to parse a form, to see whether certain fields were completed or not, and the isset() function always returns true. Is there a better function, or method to use than isset() to check form elements?

the_Igel

If a field wasn't filled, it will have empty value (''). You may use
if (empty($var)) {}
or simply
if (!$var) {}

_0_05_

here is what my code looks like

foreach ($HTTP_POST_VARS as $key=>$value){
                print "$key--$value--$count<br>";
	if ($count == 0 or $count == 1 or $count == 8){
		if (!$value){	
			print "<b>FAILED!</b>"; }
		else { print "<b>PASSED!</b>"; }
	}

$count=$count+1;

}

and no matter what, im getting "PASSED!"

wiley

I always use either

if_($value == "") { . . .

if ($value != "") { . . .

. . . since ISSET and (!$varibale) seem unreliable in some situations. So far, this method has worked well -- if there is no $value set, it passes the == "" test just fine.

Hmm -- haven't played with empty() -- that looks interesting . . .

_0_05_

i got it. I dont like using the form elements to name my variables, but it works as a temporary fix

jerdo

Why does everyone want to type so much when they are coding? Instead of isset(), $var == "", and $var != "", try using just
if ($var)
{
do stuff
}else{
do something else
}
It does stuff if $var exists(isn't null) something else if it is null, and saves some keystrokes. Typing more = bad

_0_05_

well, my code ended up looking like this (i know i could have put them all on the same line)

if (!empty($HTTP_POST_VARS)){
	if (!empty($First_Name)){
		if (!empty($Last_Name)){
			if (!empty($email)){
				$flag=1;
			}
		}
	}
}