PHP forms cross-MySQL-table read-write question

Eline

Hi, I'm asked to create forms for adding recorded data involving climate research, with many inter-dependencies making the queries somewhat complex. I have to work with PHP Version 4.4.4 and MySQL server version 4.1.18 The budget is quite low, so we can't hire a programmer to build this for us, which is why I was asked to do it. (I already maintain basic html/php and some cms-es etc.)

So far I have only created user-access and emailing forms using php and mysql, working from existing examples, which was easy for me. I understand the basics in most syntaxes if I see them.
But now I bump into a lot of issues that are not so easy to find examples for. I hope someone here could point me to some good examples, or show me an example tailored to the data mentioned below;

One important thing is that they want me to put many form actions on just one page, with one submit button, and even make some values conditional depending on the first entered value in the first form part. They want to have an overview over data that's being added.
(Access control is not an issue, the forms already have access levels arranged via pmwiki actually).

Let me describe the involved structure and actions I need for one of the forms, so maybe someone can help me get on the way;

In an existing MySQL TABLE_X the user needs to add a new record to field_x but I need to check if the record (a 6 digit value) already exists in field_x and if it does, the form needs to show some connected data from other tables and fields below the form entry.
If the record does NOT exist yet (as filled in a textbox by the user), it should of course be added under field_x.
Aside from this, whatever the user has filled in ALSO needs to go into field_y which resides in TABLE_Y and in field_z residing in TABLE_Z (this is hidden from the user).

In the same form-page I then need a dropdown box showing all the records in field_a from TABLE_A, but need to show only those records in the dropdown for which field_b (from the same TABLE_A) has values (record) xx and yy.
At submit the user selected item from field_a should be added as field_h which resides under TABLE_H

If anyone can give me an example, using the above mentioned names, I'd be very grateful. I learn fastest and best working with actual real-life code pieces. I don't know how to best accomplish cross table reading and writing from MySQL in one form field.

I already found some basic examples that were useful for making the connection to the database, which I have working.

laserlight

In an existing MySQL TABLE_X the user needs to add a new record to field_x but I need to check if the record (a 6 digit value) already exists in field_x and if it does, the form needs to show some connected data from other tables and fields below the form entry.
If the record does NOT exist yet (as filled in a textbox by the user), it should of course be added under field_x.
Aside from this, whatever the user has filled in ALSO needs to go into field_y which resides in TABLE_Y and in field_z residing in TABLE_Z (this is hidden from the user).

Such a database design sounds suspect since it leads to data duplication. Before you go on further, I suggest that you read Beginning Database Design by Clare Churcher for a lay-oriented introduction into database design. That book's introduction gives an example similiar to what you are describing of the pitfalls when scientists who are untrained in computer science attempt to design a database that mimics their data entry forms.

Eline

Oh I'm sure the part where there's adding to several fields and tables could be considered 'suspect' of something bad, but the other parts aren't related to that, and those are what I was searching examples for. Also, there's no way I can change the database content or design, nor will I try to, since the structure of the database is not my task or responsibility, and I know it will not happen either way.
Plus there's no time or use for me even discussing this with you, so if you have nothing else to add, please don't change the actual subject of my post or request any further, because it makes this into some type of dead thread right at the start. Flushed away with "go read a book about this or that". Sorry, that's not an option. I'm very much prepared to learn about MySQL and PHP, but I can't without proper examples.

Eline

why is there no delete option in this forum. If anything, that is a sure sign of suspect design. Cause for a lot of useless anger and wasteful posts, and a database full of unuseful entries that would have been deleted by users if the option would be available to them.

Check out hyves.nl, there each and every entry made by a user is his/her property, and he/she can do with it whatever he/she wants (modify/delete etc.). Now THERE's good design.

laserlight

Also, there's no way I can change the database content or design, nor will I try to, since the structure of the database is not my task or responsibility, and I know it will not happen either way.

Ah yes, predefined limitations 🙁

In that case, it looks like you need to execute several queries at one go. Is TABLE_X.field_x declared as unique? If it is, you could use that property to avoid a race condition where two users attempt to insert the same value for TABLE_X.field_x at the same time.

EDIT:

why is there no delete option in this forum. If anything, that is a sure sign of suspect design. Cause for a lot of useless anger and wasteful posts, and a database full of unuseful entries that would have been deleted by users if the option would be available to them.

Members are encouraged to search for solutions to their problems before asking questions.

Check out hyves.nl, there each and every entry made by a user is his/her property, and he/she can do with it whatever he/she wants (modify/delete etc.). Now THERE's good design.

Kindly read the Acceptable Use Policy agreement:

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Eline

Wow, amazingly useless responses here.

I learn more from looking at YouTube tutorials regarding this subject than from posting in a so called php builder's forum.

laserlight

Wow, amazingly useless responses here.

sigh

If you were patient enough to provide the information, I would have helped you much faster. Go look at the other threads where I have helped out in.

I learn more from looking at YouTube tutorials regarding this subject than from posting in a so called php builder's forum.

Personally, I think learning from a tutorial and formulating your own solution is better than asking for a handout. That is why I recommended a book in the first place. Of course, you could always ask for suggestions for improvement in a forum, after you have come up with your own solution.

benracer

Eline, I suggest that you go and start reading some books. I would reccommend maybe one for 'how to get help on forums' and then maybe some psychology. 😃

leatherback

Hey Eline,

Sounds like you have been given a challenge there. Don't worry, you will soon master it.

the problem is, the general attitude here is that it is more usefull to show people how to solve their problems themselves, than that people code their projects for them.

A problem that you post sounds like a complex set of tasks, which will need a lot of tweaking and teasing of data, and as such it is best if you have some understanding of the basic of PhP/MySQL. Which is why people refer to a book.

Don't let this discourage you. Laser is really good value with practical questions. Your question is very much in the initial esign phase, and needs a lot of thinking about. Have a look at the coding examples I have on my site (www.bio-vision.nl/coding) and I am sure that will help you a lot to get started on this.