[SOLVED] best way to avoid duplicate mysql entries when user clicks refresh

[brianstorm]

Hi,

 

I'm hoping for some guidance here as I've been messing about for too long now and as I am not entirely sure of exactly what I am trying to do I am going in circles....

 

I have a form on a php page which is used to insert data into a mysql db. The same page does the processing. At the moment clicking refresh on the browser enters the same data into the db giving a dupliacte entry.  My question is what is the best way to avoid this?

 

(The page has $_SESSION and $_POST variables currently in use)

 

If anyone cares to explain I'd be most greatful..

 

Thanks

 

 

Brian

[DanDaBeginner]

you should use another page for inserting/deleting/updating data or else everytime the page is refresh it will do the same thing..

[DanDaBeginner]

the best example would be:

 

main.php ->here is were the user can insert data, and on the form

                action="add.php"

 

add.php-> this page should contain the query and it will redirect to main.php after the insert

              query here....

              header('Location: main.php');

[fenway]

That's right... always redirect after a post.

[brianstorm]

thanks for the advice... it would seem to make data entry a bit clunky though.... if i have to redirect to a new page, and then the user has to click again to return to the form page.... is there a solution to that? can i redirect after data entry?

[fenway]

Sure, of course... after the post to your processing script, near the last line, spit out a location header.

[brianstorm]

ok thanks, will give that a go....

 

one last question ->> do I explicitly need to clear /reset  any $_POST variables? or $_SESSION variables? am i correct in thinking that $_POST variables will be cleared unless I pass them on, and the $_SESSION variables will continue to exist unless reset / destroyed?

 

 

 

[fenway]

For the POST, you're definitely correct... I have no idea about PHP sessions.

[brianstorm]

Many thanks to you both for your time & advice! Very much apprecciated!