how to run an action script and sql query from the same form

saco721

Hi,

I was wondering how I run a paypal action script and than an sql insert from the same form. The form is basically as follows:

<?php
<form method=\"post\" action=\"https://www.sandbox.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr\" target =\"paypal\">

The sql is:

$query = "INSERT INTO downloads (user_name, item_name, total_downloads) VALUES('$user_name', '$item_name', '$total_downloads')";

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

YAOMK

What I would do is post to a .php script, run your sql insert query and then have your script post the submitted data to Paypay using headers. Here is a link that shows you how http://www.phpbuilder.com/board/archive/index.php/t-10272754.html

Also if you are trying to post to https using payflow pro, you will have to use the curl library and its methods insted. Good luck,

saco721

Hi!,

I looked at the exampleyou directed me to and as I am new to php I cant see where the solution to my problem is.

Would it be possible to provide me with a simpler example?

thanks for your time!

Piranha

If you are that new to PHP I suggest that you do a lot of smaller projects before this one. That way you will learn step by step instead of trying to learn all at once.

YAOMK

I agree with Piranha, what you are trying to do is complex even for more advanced users. For now just know it can be done. Try to figure out a simpler way to make your current project work. For anything else let us know.

saco721

Hi,

thanks very much for your advice!, I am aware that the database solution can be done but it is too complicated for a newbie like me!

I have tried a similar method using sessions and was informed that it could be done but again was very complicated for a newbie.

I really need some kind of solution to this problem. I almost completed the project using sessions, but had problems getting session variables to show the right values. Would it be adviseable to continue with the sessions method?. I have just bumped it and its title is 'problems decrementing counter using a loop'. Could you please look at it and advise me.

Please help!

Thanks😕 !

YAOMK

The session solution wont work, because you are sending your user to another website. You could save data via a session up to that form, where the user clicks the paypal button. Depending on your business requirements you have to device a solution that will work with the nature of your application. The more advanced solution that I exposed previously intended to handle the post data in such a way that it would allow you to run additional functions by submitting to a php script, and then forwarding the post data along with your user to the paypal portal. So now you have to decide whether you wish to write data to the database before presenting your user with the payment button, or you could use IPN (Paypals Instant Payment Notification) again way too advanced, or you could give them instructions to log back later, after their payment is made. Your user could then provide some sort of confirmation, or they'd have to wait for you to process and validate their payments manually etc etc.

See it gets more complex by the minute, I suggest you hire someone to complete this project (if you must). In the future try to partake in other simpler projects so that you can build up your skill level.

saco721

Ok, I see what you mean, I will think carefully about the options open to me,

thanks!