email verification

sovtek

I'm looking for code to allow users to enter their email twice so as to make sure it is correct.
TIA

TheDefender

Are you wanting to do this client-side or server-side?

In other words, you can use Javascript to check the two fields before the form is sent, or you can use PHP to check the fields after the form is sent.

There are cases for both, but from an end user standpoint, the client-side (Javascript) way is the best solution. Saves the user from having to keep hitting the back button after submitting their form.

ingchun

Using JavaScript also save time. The information key in by user won't have to send to server for verification.

sovtek

Originally posted by TheDefender
Are you wanting to do this client-side or server-side?

In other words, you can use Javascript to check the two fields before the form is sent, or you can use PHP to check the fields after the form is sent.

There are cases for both, but from an end user standpoint, the client-side (Javascript) way is the best solution. Saves the user from having to keep hitting the back button after submitting their form.

I wanted to stick to PHP at the moment. I actually got that working but what I'm having trouble figuring out is how (if possible at all) to display an error (ie that they filled out email incorrectly or any other field in the form) and show them the form again.
I think it can be done with "isset" but I'm trying to find an example script.

Thanks Ya'll

TheDefender

Well, isset() is one thing you would use...

Example:

// Generates a blank $error message to append to if needed by the error checking.
$error = "";

// The first part of the statement makes sure both fields are entered and are set by the form.  If not, it generates the applicable error message to echo back to the user.
IF((!ISSET($_POST['email1']) || $_POST['email1'] == '') || (!ISSET($_POST['email2']) || $_POST['email2'] == '')):
$error .= "You must enter your email address into both fields";

// If both are filled in, it moves on to this part, and makes sure they match.  If not, it generates the error message to echo back to the user.
ELSEIF($_POST['email1'] != $_POST['email2']):
$error .= "The email addresses you specified do not match, please try again.";

// If everything checks, go on to do whatever it is you plan to do with the email address.
ELSE:
// Process the address here

ENDIF;

Keep in mind this is just a start for you. You would want to use regular expressions to verify that it is an email address and not something like "JoeBlow". That would pass the above script if entered twice, but theoretically not the info you want since it isn't an email address.

sovtek

Thanks a lot, I've got the script working now but it seems you're right about hitting the back button thing, I find that sometimes the filled-in form gets lost and I have to fill in every thing again. That only happens sometimes though and I can't figure out what causes it. I don't mean to be a pain but maybe the Javascript solution sounds attractive after all, nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Oh, with regards to the regular expressions, I've got that sorted out too...TIA