INSERT +UPDATE Problem..please help

shane85

hey guys...im hoping you could help me out.

when my users originally sign up, they only enter certain information into a db table called users

once they are signed up and log in, there are other pages where they can enter in more information...the problem im having is this:

originally, when they want to add more info such as about themselves, etc. I use a query INSERT INTO profile....but, how do I make it so if they have added info, then the next time they wish to update it, the query is UPDATE profile ???

any help is appreciated...thanks in advance.

Roger_Ramjet

Best way, have a seperate sign up page and edit profile page. See Kevin Yank's solution to users and sessions. http://www.sitepoint.com/print/users-php-sessions-mysql

Can't really see what your problem is though. Surely users have to log in before they can update their details. If you have a valid login then you know its an update.

😕 Oh! I get it. It's 2 seperate database tables. Simple, insert a dummy record full of nulls or empty strings at the same time as you create the user. Then when you save the details they enter it's an update whether this is the first time or not.

Otherwise you will have to query the table first and use an IF .. Else depending on whether the query returns anything or not. The empty record is simpler.

shane85

hey Roger

hmm that might work inserting dummy fields (yeah its 2 seperate tables)...dont know why I never thought of that

is there any other ways??? im trying to think of the best way to do it

Roger_Ramjet

No, this is the 'best' way in this situation. If you know that additional data will be input, then reserving space for dependent records is most efficient.

It is the sort of thing that Stored Procedures and Triggers are ideal for, if your DBMS has them.

shane85

ok...thanks alot bro 🙂 I will give it a shot

Sxooter

If you're running MySQL, try this:

http://dev.mysql.com/doc/mysql/en/REPLACE.html

Roger_Ramjet

You know what I like about this place: you can learn something new every day. Replace, eh! Very usefull tool. Not something you find in many DBMS, but then the big ones have other means to do the job.

The only limitation you may come across is that it does not work across multiple tables, which Update does. If you need people to be able to edit data in both of the tables then use a dummy record and Update, if not then use Replace.