Displaying inline form messaging

Skor

I've got one that has me scratching my head, not sure exactly how to do this. I've got a drop down menu that I would like to consider mandatory. If it's not selected, I'd like to display an error on the page close to the drop-down, if it is selected, the form should post to another page.

I've tinkered with a little javascript which I couldn't figure out. I've used a switch to display different dropdowns and that works fine, I've just included one as an example. Here's what the form looks like:

<FORM NAME="CORDS" METHOD="POST" ACTION="checkmeout.php">
<INPUT TYPE="HIDDEN" NAME="product" VALUE="<?php echo $item3; ?>">
<INPUT TYPE="HIDDEN" NAME="price" VALUE="<?php echo $price; ?>">
<INPUT TYPE="HIDDEN" NAME="pagetype" VALUE="neck">

switch ($neck) {
case "A":
echo " 
<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"product[]\" value=\"$item3\">
<select name=\"product[]\"><option value=\"\">Select your cord or chain:</option>
<option value=\"18-inch silver chain\">18-inch Sterling silver box chain</option>
<option value=\"16-inch black cord\">16-inch black rubber cord</option>
<option value=\"18-inch black cord\">18-inch black rubber cord</option></select>";
break;
}
?>
<br><br>Include giftbox
<input type="checkbox" name="giftbox" value="giftbox"> 

<INPUT TYPE="SUBMIT" Value="Add to Cart"> </FORM>

chasiv

So basically a 'Required' message near the box if the value of product is null? Also, you shouldn't need to make product an array if it is a drop-down as you're only expecting 1 value returned correct?

There are a couple of ways to do the value check.... One is to re-load the page (have it submit back to itself and check the value). Another is to use AJAX which will do this 'live' using a javascript check. Depending on whether or not you are retrieving your Products from a database or not will determine if you need an additional PHP file as well.

Which are you trying to accomplish ?? Obviously, re-submitting the form to itself is easier. Giving it that live look is more complex, but much more professional looking.

Skor

I am just trying to make the selection of the cord for the necklaces required before proceeding to the shopping cart. I don't want to over complicate -- this has turned out to be more challenging than I'd envisioned.