[RESOLVED] $_POST vs. $_SESSION

focus310

Hi,

Can someone clarify the proper use of $POST['variable'] and $SESSION['variable']?

The information collected on the first form is going to be used quite extensively in various scripts. Therefore, I need to pass the information from this form through my other scripts.

Typically, for a single process of form data, I use $POST. In order to make sure that the variables stay put throughout my scripts; should I be using $SESSION or do I have to use both?

If someone has a good link on sessions which I can read that clearly explains the proper use, I would love to have it and read it.

Thanks for the help.

leatherback

In general you use sessions for data that has to be accessible across multiple page-loads. I personally have never had the need to store POSTed information in a SESSION.

breadcrumb

$POST or $GET are normally used for passing information from one page to another (typically from a form on to another page which will do something with the input from the form.)

Using $_SESSION variables allow you to keep variables 'in memory' across a whole number of pages and you don't have to specify that you are posting them to the next page as long as you have a session going (So you'd start each your page with session_start()

I'm actually using both for a relatively complex set of forms that my users are filling in:

Each time they fill in a page, the info is posted onto the next page which then stores the information in session variables and asks the next set of questions. Each time I'm adding more and more information as $SESSION variables until all the forms have been filled in without having to repeatedly post this information as hidden fields or anything like that. Remember that the $SESSION variables are available for any page you then use in the session (starting with session_start()) until you use session_destroy() -- Whereas the $GET or $POST variables are only going to be available on the page that the form calls as its action=....

John

focus310

Hi John,

Thank you, thank you for the reply. I'm creating the same exact process you are describing.

I have my initial form which the info needs to get passed to the next for another set of inquiries, etc, etc, etc......

I was hoping to avoid using hidden fields. I think if you have too many variables going through hidden fields you may find yourself forgetting about some.

Thanks again. You were a great big help!

focus310

Hi,

I have a quick question.

After I assign my $POST variable to a $SESSION variable, to avoid typing $_SESSION everytime I need to use the variable, can I assign it to another variable name?

For example:
$SESSION['name'] = $POST['name'];
$name = $_SESSION['name'];

Would $name be available to all pages if I include the session_start() on each page?