[RESOLVED] Duplicate data on text file

advark

Hi
My following script writes fine on the text file database, but am getting duplicate records, is there any way I can make it write only when record does not exist. Thnx

$FirstName = $POST['FirstName'];
$LastName = $POST['LastName'];
$Email = $_POST['Email'];

$content= $FirstName."|".$LastName."|".$Email."\r\n";

$fp = fopen("member.txt","a");

if(!$fp)
{
echo 'Error: Cannot open file.';
exit;
}
fwrite($fp,$content);
{
echo ("Hello, ".$POST['FirstName']." ".$POST['LastName']." to ICANS Members page.");
}
fclose($fp);

dagon

using a real database will take care of this issue, otherwise you have to read the whole file and check it every time you want to add to it.

advark

dagon;10912766 wrote:
using a real database will take care of this issue, otherwise you have to read the whole file and check it every time you want to add to it.

cheers, but its a basic website and text files are required, though i agree with u, mysql or something wud be so much easier.....

:rolleyes:

cahva

Well this should work:

$content= $FirstName."|".$LastName."|".$Email."\r\n";

$f = file('member.txt');

// if not found, append content to file
if (!in_array($content,$f))
{
    $fp = fopen("member.txt","a");
    fwrite($fp,$content);
    fclose($fp);
}

If the file gets very large, you would be better to use database(Sqlite would be perfect for this) or read and check the file line by line because it will consume memory this way because the whole file is loaded to array.

dagon

just be carefull with, (something i happen to be looking at right now) variations of name and email spelling, case etc can throw of any match resulting in duplicates.

bradgrafelman

While you may not have access to a more formal DBMS like MySQL, you still might pursue other solutions such as SQLite.

dagon

I find it odd that people don't have db access, never seen a host that doesn't offer one.

advark

cahva- thnx it worked like a charm, guess my approach was too complex: lesson learnt to start with basics first....

as for queries re why have to use a flat file- that is the requirement as this is part of my course am doing as am interested in web designing, have just started last week- hence keep stumbling...but thanks all

dagon

advark;10912788 wrote:
cthat is the requirement as this is part of my course am doing as am interested in web designing, have just started last week- hence keep stumbling...but thanks all

we have a saying around here: "Do your own Homework"

We mean it in the nicest possible way the point being you learn a lot more trying (and failing) than having others do it for you.

advark

totally agree and don't want to use this platform as a fall back. and yes i guess coding is all about trials and errors - but without sounding defensive, I was trying to work it out since yday and being new just keep getting muddled up........cheers