Search, retrieve and update MYSQL db

[marlon4417]

I've successfully managed to write php code for a db where data is strictly written to the mysql db. That was easy. Now, I need to create a search page and have the search term search a specific field and retrieve all records corresponding to the search term. Subsequently, on a second page, I'd like to display the records (with corresponding fields) and edit each one by having drop down menus for each record (multiple edits). The records are then updated in the db using one submit button.

I'm more concerned with the flow of logic here more so than the actual coding. For example, would there be a need for sessions variable? I'd appreciate your help in this.

[TobyRT]

Hi Marlon.

You've probably done the hardest part, which is getting the stuff in there in the first place (in my first project that's where i struggled the most!)

I'd say your next step is to display and edit it. The basic principle is the same - you're still submitting information for inclusion in a database.

What you have to do is populate the blank input fields from your add.php with information from the database.

Rather than doing a search, make a display of items first (it only need be 10) and learn how to display those key fields as a link - that link needs to pass the id for that row into the update page eg <a href="update.php?id=1">

In php/sql, make sure you tell sql to bring down the id for each entry, then give it a value. This will make your code look more like <a href="update.php?id=<?php echo $row['id']?>">

When you click that it will tell the update page (as long as you $_GET ['id']) that it needs to SELECT * from DB where id=$id

Then it can populate your fields with the correct information eg:
<input type="text" size="11" value="<?php echo $row['tel_no']?>">

Now that the fields have values you can tweak and edit them to your heart's delight.

The only thing that changes now is the SQL to UPDATE the code rather than INSERT it

For adding I imagine you used something like INSERT INTO db (field1, field 2) VALUES ($value1, $value2) - to update it's similar, but more like

UPDATE db SET field1='$value1', field2='$value2' WHERE id=$id.

As long as you can pass that id from one page to the next (and securely), you shouldn't have too many non syntax problems.

If you want any further help, drop us a line.

[marlon4417]

Toby, thanks. I've set up the "search form" on the same page to display records and using dreamweaver, I've succuessfully managed to show records corresponding to search query. Now, another bump in the road. For each row, I am not able to update all the rows, only one at at time. Any clues? Thanks. Marlon