Scripting a MySQL Database to calculate the price of several option values/drop downs

[urbansmooth]

How would one script a MySQL database to determine the total amount based on the selections of the several drop down lists/option values in a form?

[option value1 price][v]
+
[option value2 price][v]
+
[option value3 price][v]
+
[option value4 price][v]
+
[option value5 price][v]

(etc.)

= Total Price

And just for craps and giggles, how would I add any shipping and/or tax charges to the total price? Let's say the tax price is 5%, but that number can change. Please help. I need to get the business up and running as soon as possible.

[bpat1434]

If they're all integers being returned to PHP, you can actually use simple arithmetic operators:

$POST['option1']+$POST['option2']...

~Brett

[urbansmooth]

Ok, so, now I know how to add the drop down menu values, but, I still need to know how to call values pertaining to the different drop down menus from the MySQL database(s).

[bpat1434]

Elaborate on what you're trying to do. Are you trying to retrieve the values as passed from the form to PHP, or are you trying to dynamically create the drop-downs from a query in a mySQL database?

~Brett

[urbansmooth]

I have been, and am trying to do both. Any help would be appreciated.

[bpat1434]

Here's what I use as my dynamic select box generation:

<?php

$query = "SELECT * FROM `table_name` WHERE something = '$something'";
// Note, it's a pseudo query
$result = mysql_query($query);

echo '<select name="myselect">
while($row = mysql_fetch_array($result))
{
    echo '<option value="'.$row['column_name'].'">'.$row['column2_name'].'</option>';
}
echo '</select>';

?>

As for reading them after the form is submitted (using the above example):

<?php
// We'll grab the selected options value:
$selected = $_POST['myselect'];
echo $selected;
?>

That will grab the value, and echo it to the browser.

~Brett

[urbansmooth]

Thanks, again, I'll mess around with it and see if I can get it to work for me.

[urbansmooth]

Originally posted by bpat1434
If they're all integers being returned to PHP, you can actually use simple arithmetic operators:

$POST['option1']+$POST['option2']...

~Brett

I am using the value tags of the option values in my form to add up the total price at the end of the form. Can you please tell me how I can display the total price in a text box in the form with the click of a button, or dynamically, as the user is changing their options in the drop down menus?

[bpat1434]

That is called JavaScript. Google it. I'm not a javascript programmer. Sorry I can't help you further.

~Brett