Alternative method for form input validation

gwalsh

Previously, with JavaScript, I had to wait until all items in a test were validated before allowing a candidate to continue.

All responses are 'radio' type, meaning no invalid responses are possible BUT omitting an item IS possible. I want to be able to prevent further processing until the item receives a response. Is there an EFFICIENT way to do this to keep the client focused without the need to regurgitate everything?

I know this is all about saving state, of course, but I was thinking there might be a trick or tool with php which I am not yet familiar with?

Kudose

Well, if you dont want to have to submit the data, then get the validation back; JavaScript is what you will need.

PHP can only work with data after it is posted to the server. JS can work with the browser in real-time. You should do both, as some users dont have JS enabled.

jkurrle

You might want to consider using sessions, if you have them available. By defining a session variable, you would not have to declare it over and over again. Then, simply use your session variable in the "value=" part of your <input> tag or between your <textarea> tags.

When posting, you check to see if these variables have any value assigned to them. If not, create and or append to an error message. If the error message is blank, continue processing the data. If not, pass the error message back to the submission form to be displayed, so the user knows what they are missing.

Because you are using session variables and have listed them in your posting form, these values should now reappear back in their respective boxes.

This works well for <input type="text"> and <textarea> boxes. If you are using dropdown boxes, check boxes or radio buttons, it gets a little more complicated...

gwalsh

Thanks for the guidance on this, I very much appreciate it.

It seems obvious that JS is preferable for my application because I can manage input for each test section at the client's end and not force a rehash of missing or invalid data only at the end of a section.

Again, my thanks for the input.

George

jkurrle

You still need to do checking in the processing script, as a user could disable javascript on their browser, which might let them submit incomplete information . To get around it, you could encode the submit button within javascript and include a <noscript> tag telling them they need to enable javascript to post their data...

gwalsh

Good point!!!

Noted carefully for use in designing the validation suites.

Again, a simple thank you for your interest.

(Saying thanks is sooooo Canadian!)

George

jkurrle

One more thought, script encode the <form> tag as well, because if someone hits <Enter> on a text input, it will submit without needing a submit button...