How to set empty fields error message

newuser666

I have a form that allows a user to enter personal information. I have managed to set mandatory fields where if they are not filled, the user cannot save the form. The problem is if a mandatory field is not filled in and the user hits save, the form referehes and entered information is lost. That is really annoying to the user and i would appreciate some help on how to set a message that tells the user what field is missing and does'nt refresh. here's the code that i have

if ($user && $pass && fname && lname) { insert into database user info}
Go ahead and add user.

I can't seem to get the else statement in there where if $fname is empty, it lets me know.

Thanks for the help in advance.

archangel_617b

Just an aside: You should use [ php ] tags around any code samples to make them readable. Doesn't matter too much for a couple lines like you have there, but definately required for longer snipets.

Erm, you are missing the $ in front of the variables fname and lname (they should be $fname && $lname). If that's not the actual problem, lemme know and I can help you further.

stick_figure

You could have an else {} condition that spits back out another form identical to the first, only all of the fields are filled in with the values that the user submitted. So:
<INPUT TYPE="textentry" NAME="fname" VALUE="<?php echo($fname); ?>">
So if $fname is empty because the user didn't submit it, the field is empty, or it has the value that the user had. Then there are a whole lot of if clauses to add to tell the user what info he/she is missing.

newuser666

no that wasn't the problem. I just got lazy with the $signs. They are there in the actual code. The code works fine and i can add users if the mandatory fields are filled in. I just can't seem to get the error message in place. Something like a popup maybe. For example

"Last name missing. It is a required field"

Thanks

stick_figure

If you want a popup, you'll need JavaScript. I have no experience with it whatsoever. I guess you would add an on click event to the submit button that checks each field for info and then does an alert() if a field isn't filled in. Although, I'm paranoid and I like doing things at the server level to make sure that it all works out, so I'd still do an else {} clause and spit out the same form.

newuser666

You can use java script in the php form by using

<?
<script language="javascript" src="where the javascript.js file is"><script>

just a side note. hope that helps if you need javascript.

netmastan

Add this code above ur form

echo"
<script type=\"text/javascript\" language=\"JavaScript\">

function checkform(theForm) {
    if (theForm.fname.value ==\"\")
    {
        alert('First Name  is empty!');
        theForm.fname.style.backgroundColor = '#FF99CC';
        return false;
    } else {
        return true;
    }
}
//-->
</script>";

Form Action should lool like this

echo "<form  action='ursubmitactionlocation' method=\"post\" onsubmit=\"return checkform(this);\">"

It work for me