[RESOLVED] Storing/Retrieving data submitted from a checkbox field

[focus310]

Hello:

I have a form where two fields are checkboxes. The field name identified in the form is interests[] and availability[].

After the form is submitted, I am storing the data into a table. When I look in my table, the results from the form which appear in the columns interests and availability shows the word "array". I know that the form fields are an array because a person is able to choose more than one.

First, did I insert the data correctly from the checkbox into the table?
Two, if I did, how do I retrieve the data from those fields so if someone wants to view the data in the table, the actual results will print not the word "array"?

Here is part of the code showing the form and the insert query. This is fairly a long script so I'm including the pieces of the code where I need help. If by chance the entire script needs to be posted, I will do so. Thank you for all the help.

** this is the form field Interests ***
<fieldset>
<legend>Interests</legend>
<p>Tell us in which areas you are interested in volunteering?<br></p>
<input type=checkbox name=interests[] value="Transportation"<?php echo ( isset ( $_SESSION['interests'] ) && in_array ( 'Transportation', $_SESSION['interests'] ) ? ' checked="checked"' : '' ); ?> />Transportation<br>
<input type=checkbox name=interests[] value="Tutoring"<?php echo ( isset ( $_SESSION['interests'] ) && in_array ( 'Tutoring', $_SESSION['interests'] ) ? ' checked="checked"' : '' ); ?> />Tutoring<br>
<input type=checkbox name=interests[] value="Mentoring"<?php echo ( isset ( $_SESSION['interests'] ) && in_array ( 'Mentoring', $_SESSION['interests'] ) ? ' checked="checked"' : '' ); ?> />Mentoring<br>
<input type=checkbox name=interests[] value="Fundraising"<?php echo ( isset ( $_SESSION['interests'] ) && in_array ( 'Fundraising', $_SESSION['interests'] ) ? ' checked="checked"' : '' ); ?> />Fundraising<br>
<input type=checkbox name=interests[] value="Activities"<?php echo ( isset ( $_SESSION['interests'] ) && in_array ( 'Activties', $_SESSION['interests'] ) ? ' checked="checked"' : '' ); ?> />Activities<br>
<input type=checkbox name=interests[] value="Phone Bank"<?php echo ( isset ( $_SESSION['interests'] ) && in_array ( 'Phone Bank', $_SESSION['interests'] ) ? ' checked="checked"' : '' ); ?> />Phone Bank<br>
<input type=checkbox name=interests[] value="Newsletter Production"<?php echo ( isset ( $_SESSION['interests'] ) && in_array ( 'Newsletter', $_SESSION['interests'] ) ? ' checked="checked"' : '' ); ?> />Newsletter Production<br>
<input type=checkbox name=interests[] value="Volunteer Coordination"<?php echo ( isset ( $_SESSION['interests'] ) && in_array ( 'Volunteer Coordination', $_SESSION['interests'] ) ? ' checked="checked"' : '' ); ?> />Volunteer Coordination</p>
</fieldset>  

** this is my insert query **
$query = "INSERT INTO app_vol (vol_lname, vol_fname, vol_address, vol_city, vol_state, vol_zip, vol_home_phone,
            vol_work_phone, vol_email, availability, interests, special_skills, prev_exp, vol_em_name,
            vol_em_address, vol_em_city, vol_em_state, vol_em_zip, vol_em_home_phone, vol_em_work_phone,
            vol_em_email, date)
           VALUES ('$_SESSION[vol_lname]', '$_SESSION[vol_fname]','$_SESSION[vol_address]','$_SESSION[vol_city]', '$_SESSION[vol_state]',
             '$_SESSION[vol_zip]', '$_SESSION[vol_home_phone]', '$_SESSION[vol_work_phone]', '$_SESSION[vol_email]',
             '$_SESSION[availability]', '$_SESSION[interests]', '$_SESSION[special_skills]', '$_SESSION[prev_exp]',
             '$_SESSION[vol_em_name]', '$_SESSION[vol_em_address]','$_SESSION[vol_em_city]', '$_SESSION[vol_em_state]',
             '$_SESSION[vol_em_zip]', '$_SESSION[vol_em_home_phone]', '$_SESSION[vol_em_work_phone]', '$_SESSION[vol_em_email]', CURRENT_DATE())";		
      $result = mysql_query ($query) or die (mysql_error());

[Piranha]

I have just had a quick glance at your code, and find a big problem: Your database tables are not normalized. As an example why it is important try to do a query that shows everyone that have fundraising checked.

I won't explain what database normalization is since it is explained at numerous places all over the internet. But I'll give you a link to phpbuilder's guide, it's one of the best I've seen.

[focus310]

Hi,

Thank you for the reply. I would love to write a select query to show me how many people want Fundraising.

That's my problem. The information stored in the field for interests is showing up as the word "array" in the table. None of the options are listed.

I don't know how to retrieve the data stored in this field.

Can you help me with that?

As for the normalization issue, the purpose of this table is just to store the info from the form so it can be re-displayed. There is going to be no data analysis or anything like that. The actual paper form requires a signature. Since I can't do an electronic signature, the administrator just prints the application and when the person comes for the interview they can sign it right there.

The table is just a temporary holding spot nothing more. But, I still need to display the information stored in the interests[] fields which brings me back to my question above.

Thanks again for your help.

[Piranha]

The purpose of normalizing your tables is to solve your problems. And as a bonus it will add other possibilities, like show the people that want Fundraising.

[kiwi2]

1. Your database tables SET field must contain the prdefined options in your form.
   2.Once you retrieve the data using $POST['interests'] cont as fol:
   $new = $POST['interests'];
   $news = implode(',', $new);
   now insert $news

[focus310]

I finally got everything to work as it should.

Thank you all for your time and help.