How do I build a script to...

hondcb750

install an email form for a user? Here's the deal - I need to make a script to take info from an html form such as name, email address, etc. and then import that info into a php fiile that will be an form emailer. I'm stuck on where to start and need some help. Any suggestions on what to do?

bpat1434

Create the HTML form first. Then work on getting values you want displayed on the subsequent PHP page. After you've got that, it's just a matter of wrapping your head in a good book or online tutorial and following directions/examples.

A few tips:
-- Remember to format your HTML as <tag key="value">. I.e. Don't forget encapsulating your values in quotes.
-- Remember to name each input
-- Don't forget a method
-- Start small, grow large. I.e. Start with a few input text fields, then add the comments, select boxes, radio buttons and the like.

~Brett

hondcb750

That's definitely good advice for a good start - thanks! Are there any functions I should watch out for and use? I know I will probably need to use fpoen() and maybe fputs() and I may use fpassthru() to print the content out for the user to copy and paste...but I want to know if there are any better functions to use.

bpat1434

With what you're talking about, it's going to be a trial and error type of system. You'll just have to try things one way, and if they don't work, change them up.

~Brett

hondcb750

Ok, thats basically what I have been doing. so I will keep trying that. Do you know of any functions that will scan and collect the variables (field names of data in the html form) from any html form? I basically need the code to scan different types of html forms, collect the information about the field names (name, address, city, state - but not the data - just the actual field name itself) and then spit it out so the form can be used for a form emailer. My biggest challenge here is that the forms will be made by different people and the fields will be different in each form. Not too sure if I am making any sense, but I am sure PHP can do this, I am just too new to it to know what functions to use and I really need some direction if you can help. Thanks for the help so far ~ if you have any more ideas it would be greatly appreciated!!!

Mike