php variables in mysql (newbie question)

[rickibarnes]

I am writing a php search function that allows users to specify search parameters (using a regular html form) and then displays the results that match the user's parameters.

I have two tables in my mysql database, and I want the user to be able to specify whether to search in the first table, the second table or both.

My problem is, how do I tell mysql which table the user has specified? At first I tried to pass the name of the table from the form into a php variable and then use that variable in my mysql query, like so:

$result = mysql_query('SELECT * FROM $tableName');

But of course this doesn't work.

Can anyone suggest a way to pass my php variable to mysql so that it knows what I'm talking about? Or possibly (this is no doubt more likely) a better, not stupid way of doing what I'm trying to do?

Any help is highly appreciated!

[laserlight]

But of course this doesn't work.

It should work - though you have to be careful to avoid SQL injection.

[thorpe]

laserlight must have missed one small point. you'll need to put your sql statement in double quotes if you want the variables to be parsed.

$result = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM $tableName");

[rickibarnes]

Thankyou so much!!!! I have been sitting here for about two hours trying to work it out, going "But it doesn't work . . . . "

Then I put me double quotes in an' it works like a charm!