Searching database with PHP and HTML forms

[kelisaid]

Let me begin by saying I'm pretty much a complete newbie when it comes to PHP. I normally develop websites with HTML and css, not so much PHP. I've read all of the rules and terms of service plus how to ask questions the smart way and hope I'm not wasting any of your time.

 

We have an online product database that our customers can search to find surplus products, however; many people dislike the current site and believe it isn't as functional and user friendly as it could be. So, I was directed to redesign it even though I lack complete knowledge of mysql and PHP. I took on the challenge though because I enjoy learning. My boss has been expecting this site to be completely functional but I have not been able to figure out this piece even after searching google and reading tutorials. We have someone who manages our online product database/website for us and understands PHP but he is SO hard to get a hold of and really never has time for me. If he did have time I wouldn't need to be reaching out like I am now.

 

I am trying to develop an easy search function for a database I've created through PHPmaker from the homepage. I can search the database just fine on my products.php page which houses the database through PHPmaker's generated search field, but I want a quick search function on the home page that will allow them to search either manufacturer, part #, or any basic keyword and then input the field value into the URL with the keyword/manufacturer/part#

 

So then it would look like this:

 

http://www.idealsurplussales.com/test/products.php?t=product_templates&psearch=KEYWORDGOESHERE&Submit=Search+%28*%29&psearchtype=

 

Or maybe to rephrase the question, I need to search a database by different fields from a page that the database is not hosted on, maybe there is a better way to go about this, any advice would be appreciated.

 

You can see the site here:

 

www.idealsurplussales.com/test/index.html

 

 

Thanks again!