php & html forms

[[deleted]]

I have form in which I'm validating some fields.

if (!$last_name){
echo "You must enter your last name";
}
my problem is if the user goes back all the data has been lost in the other fields filled out. I've tried to use value="$some_field" , and that doesnt work, and I messed with the $HTTP_POST_VARS, no success!

I am using an include which has all my header html stuff. Could that be causing my browser to refresh causing the lost of $field_values ?

Thanks

[van__]

Goes back via the web browsers "BACK" button?
You are SOL.

Goes back via your scripting?
Then use a echo out the variables in your form.
<input type="text" name="var" value="<? echo $var; ?>">

[andrin]

I agree with Van here. There is very little you can do to the client if you use ordinary HTML forms :-( It´s sad but true...

[Anon]

there is a solution for that..

Insted of sending your user back you can print the whole from under your error text, and that is the logic what most of the sites do for registration. like..

your error : email cant be empty !!

and now include your previous page which will contain the fields value...

<input type="username" value="<?php print($username); ?>">

and so on..

And the other solution is to make a form Validatin in javascript.. which is the best and fast..

Enjoy
Tabish

[[deleted]]

you say that's what happens when I do forms in html, what other choice do I have.

even if I do
echo "<input type=text name.. blah blah blah,
it's all html it's just php is printing it for me. I'm right arent I? I have concidered javascript, I just hate the alert boxes. Maybe displaying the form again with an error message is the best.

Thanks