Retaining form data after submit errors

[Zebbedy]

Im getting tired of having to re-enter data after pressing 'back' when i have checked a form for user errors. Is there a php function that will allow the restoration of data fields when 'back' has been pressed?

I normally use action='filename.php' and do my checking on the next page. Is there a better way?

Thanks

[Kudose]

Sessions.

Allowing page caching might work as well.

[Zebbedy]

hmmm, im using sessions. Where is page caching set, and is that an indivdual machine thing or is it set in the code somewhere?

PS. Wow i only posted my request a few minutes ago. Amazing reply time Kudose!

[Kudose]

You can set the page cahing settings using [man]header[/man]

Or, by using sessions, you would need to store all the info you want to save into an array (preferably a multi-dimensional).

Basically, you would check to see if the session array is empty or not. If it isn't, then you can auto-fill the forms based on the session data, then UNSET it. If it is empty, then do nothing and record the data on the action page in case of errors.

Hope that makes sense.

[m_tt]

Why not just maintain the form variables instead of hitting your back button?

ie:

<input type="text" value="<?php echo $_POST['value']; ?>">

Or use javascript to verify the form variables before submitting?

[Zebbedy]

M@tt, does this only work on a PHP_SELF form or will it work coming back from an action='nextpage.php'?

Still trying to get my head around this. Its true that a little knowledge is dangerous. Im diggin a nice hole, not sure how im going to get out tho🙂

[halojoy]

Originally posted by Zebbedy
Im getting tired of having to re-enter data after pressing 'back' when i have checked a form for user errors. Is there a php function that will allow the restoration of data fields when 'back' has been pressed?
Is there a better way?

I have last 2-3 days been writing a simple set of pages
to submit form data and store, remember, entered data in SESSION

There are several other ways. But this an example how you can do it.
You can use this set of pages, but add and modify
to get it to suit your needs. Or write something like it:

// Script by halojoy sweden june 2005
// Join my website and submit your user name

<!-- //////////////////////////////-->
<?php
// home.php
session_start();
$user='Guest';
if(isset($_SESSION['name']) && !empty($_SESSION['name'])){
$user=$_SESSION['name'];
echo "Welcome home <b>$user</b>";
}
else 
echo "Welcome <b>$user</b>";

if($user=='Guest')
echo "<br><br><a href='page1.php'>Join this website</a>";
else
echo "<br><br><a href='page1.php'>Change my profile</a>";
?>

<!-- //////////////////////////////-->
<?php
// page1.php
// session hasto be started when store or read
session_start();

if ( !isset($_SESSION['name']) || $_POST['reset'] ) $_SESSION['name'] = '';
if ( !isset($_SESSION['pass']) || $_POST['reset'] ) $_SESSION['pass'] = '';

if ($_POST['submit']) {
$usern = trim($_POST['username']);
$passw = trim($_POST['password']);
if ($usern=='?') $usern='';
if ($passw=='?') $passw='';
if(!empty($usern)) $_SESSION['name'] = $usern;
if(!empty($passw)) $_SESSION['pass'] = $passw;
}

$usern = '?';
$passw = '?';
if(!empty($_SESSION['name'])) $usern = $_SESSION['name'];
if(!empty($_SESSION['pass'])) $passw = $_SESSION['pass'];
?>

<!-- when action empty, goes back this page again -->
<form action='' method='post'>
<input type='text' name='username' value='<?php echo $usern ?>'> Username
<br>
<input type='text' name='password' value='<?php echo $passw ?>'> Password
<br>
<input type='submit' name='submit' value='SUBMIT'>
<input type='submit' name='reset' value='RESET'>
<br><br>
<a href='home.php'>Cancel</a>
<br>
<a href='page2.php'>Continue</a>

<!-- //////////////////////////////-->
<?php
// page2.php
// hasto start SESSION
session_start();

$uname = $_SESSION['name'];
$upass = $_SESSION['pass'];

echo "User Name: $uname";
echo '<br>';
echo "Pass Word: $upass";

?>

<br><br>
<a href='page1.php'>Back</a>
<br>
<a href='home.php'>Cancel</a>
<br>
<a href='page3.php'>Continue</a>

<!-- //////////////////////////////-->
<?php
// page3.php

echo "This is";
echo '<br>';
echo "The End";

?>

<br><br>
<a href='home.php'>Home</a>

Pages.
-----------------------------------
home.php - startpage
page1.php - where the first submit form is
page2.php - you can add a 'next step' here

page3.php - The End 'step'

🆒