[RESOLVED] Need help regarding algorithm and PHP code

Bbob

I need help in regards to some algorithms & its PHP code.

Problem 1: Get a value from the database then display it as a link

Basically, I want to withdraw a value from the database then display it in the website as link.

I know how to get the value from the database but I have no idea on how to convert it into a link - is it possible?

Problem 2: Can you name or add an attribute to a link?

I need to let PHP know that I clicked the link, then withdraw a certain attribute / name of the link.

No idea how to do this.

Problem 3: Is it possible to pass a variable from one page to another?

First Page get variables then pass to second page then pass to third page

Im thinking of session is that correct? If so, how will I be able to pass multiple variables from a page to another?

Emma

Without wishing to offend you, your list of problems sound like a homework task. While I'm sure most people won't mind pointing you in the right direction, doing your homework is another matter. If it's not then please accept my apology, you're obviously very organised.

Anyway, start by thinking about how a link is created in HTML.

Crowly

// connect to db and fetch data here
while ($row=mysql_fetch_assoc($result))
{
  echo '<a href="http://'.$row['url'].'" target="_blank">'.$row['url_text'].'</a>';
}

#2
As above just echo out whatever html you need in the anchor tag. To let php know that the link was clicked you either have to look at some ajax stuff, or the link has to go to new php page and then you have to do whatever you want to do there. PHP is all handled on the server side.

#3
Yes you can use sessions, or you can pass it in the url, and then use $GET on the new page.
The superglobal $SESSION works just like any other array, so just do $SESSION['var1']=value; $SESSION['var2']=value etc or $SESSION=array(value,value2,value3);. Can also be a multidimentional array.
If you pass it in the url you need a link <a href="http://url/page1.php?var1=value&var2=value2>clicky</a> then get the values with $GET['var1']

Bbob

Hi,

Thanks for the replies.

Emma;10960422 wrote:
Without wishing to offend you, your list of problems sound like a homework task. While I'm sure most people won't mind pointing you in the right direction, doing your homework is another matter. If it's not then please accept my apology, you're obviously very organised.

Anyway, start by thinking about how a link is created in HTML.

This isnt for homework, its more of a project Im having a hard time with.

Its posted like that so itll be easy to read and understand.

Crowly;10960423 wrote:
#1
// connect to db and fetch data here
while ($row=mysql_fetch_assoc($result))
{
  echo '<a href="http://'.$row['url'].'" target="_blank">'.$row['url_text'].'</a>';
}
#2
As above just echo out whatever html you need in the anchor tag. To let php know that the link was clicked you either have to look at some ajax stuff, or the link has to go to new php page and then you have to do whatever you want to do there. PHP is all handled on the server side.

#3
Yes you can use sessions, or you can pass it in the url, and then use $GET on the new page.
The superglobal $SESSION works just like any other array, so just do $SESSION['var1']=value; $SESSION['var2']=value etc or $SESSION=array(value,value2,value3);. Can also be a multidimentional array.
If you pass it in the url you need a link <a href="http://url/page1.php?var1=value&var2=value2>clicky</a> then get the values with $GET['var1']

Thanks for the tips.

In problem #2, the link will go to another page taking with it the supposedly name attribute of the link.

=====

New question

Is it possible to get the text or variable that the link was assigned to?

Ex.

<a href="link">abc</a> - i need to get the words abc.

Emma

Look at the url for this page.

http://phpbuilder.com/board/showthread.php?t=10375023

See the question mark after the .php, you can do exactly the same with your words. If you do, you'll need to look at $_GET

w3schools is excellent at explaining all about forms, links and the like.

Bbob

Thanks for the tips. I will study them then post back if I have any questions

Bbob

Thank you all for the replies.

I need one last help regarding about my questions. Im still having a hard time trying to do what Im thinking of.

Here's what Im trying to do

1: I have a customerinfo table that has a lot of customer data.
2: Each row inside the table has a url column named detailedcustomer.php

This is what it looks like

3: When I display the customername in "customerlist.php" I want it to be displayed as a link - I figured this out thanks guys <tr><a href=""> customer1 </a></tr>
4: When the customername is clicked I want it to redirect to "customerdetail.php" - <tr><a href="customerdetail"> customer1 </a></tr>
5: When it redirects to the "customerdetail.php", I want to be able to take the label the link was assigned to. Ex. in 3 the label was customer1
6: I need to be able to take that value so I can use the label in a MySQL query to compare the customername clicked and the customername in the database to be able to retrieve the contactperson, contactadress and display it in detailcustomer.php

I know I can just create a webpage for each customer but my problem there is what if a new customer registers or what if there are a hundred of customers.

The part Im having problem is in parts 5 and 6 - Please help me in this...Ive been thinking about this for 3 days now and I still cant get a clear idea on how to it.

But if you have another easy way to do what Im trying to do, feel free to post it.

Crowly

Bbob;10960681 wrote:
2: Each row inside the table has a url column named detailedcustomer.php

No need to include this in the database if you always want the link to point to the same page, just put it in the php code.

4: When the customername is clicked I want it to redirect to "customerdetail.php" - <tr><a href="customerdetail"> customer1 </a></tr>

You need to include the full filename in the href, href="customerdetail.php". You could also include the full url: href="http://you.site.here/customerdetail.php".

5: When it redirects to the "customerdetail.php", I want to be able to take the label the link was assigned to. Ex. in 3 the label was customer1

// connect and fetch data from the database here
while ($row=mysql_fetch_assoc($result))
{
  echo '<a href="customerdetail.php?label='.$row['customername'].'">something</a>';
}

In customerdetail you retrieve the value with $_GET['label']

6: I need to be able to take that value so I can use the label in a MySQL query to compare the customername clicked and the customername in the database to be able to retrieve the contactperson, contactadress and display it in detailcustomer.php

I would use the customerid in stead. Do the same as above, just replace $row['customername'] with $row['customerid'], then something like this in customerdetails.php (should perhaps change label to cid also)

if (isset($_GET['label']) and is_numeric($_GET['label']))
{
  // connect to database
  $id=(int)$_GET['label'];

  $sql="SELECT fields FROM customerinfo WHERE customerid=".$id." LIMIT 1";

  $customer=mysql_fetch_assoc(mysql_query($sql));

  // print the customer info here
}
else
  echo "Error message here, invalid customer id selected";

Bbob

Sir Crowly.....you are a god!

Thank you, thank you, thank you so much!

Now I can finally sleep easy tonight...again thank you!