[SOLVED] populating a second "select" field

[daled]

is there a way to populate a second select field in a form based on input for a first select without reloading and using only php?

 

Filter Reports Where:
<select name='filterby'>
<option value='date'>Date</option>
<option value='offender'>Offender</option>
<option value='by'>Reported By</option>
</select>";
is:
<select name='field'><option value=""></option></select>
</form><br>

 

What I want to happen is when the first changes, the second pulls possible choices from the database corresponding to what was chosen.

 

I tried using a function and calling upon it the same way you would javascript with an "onchange" in the first select:

<select name='filterby' onchange='populate_second'>
<?php
function populate_second($filterby) {
$conn = mysql_connect('localhost', 'root', '');
mysql_select_db('masterdatabase', $conn);

$query_field = "SELECT `".$filterby."` FROM `reports` WHERE `type` = '".$_GET['action']."'";
$field = mysql_query($query_field, $conn);
$row_field = mysql_fetch_assoc($field);
};
?>

is there something wrong with the function, the way i'm calling upon it, or is it something that just can't be done?

thanks if you can help!

[trq]

is there a way to populate a second select field in a form based on input for a first select without reloading and using only php?

 

Nope. PHP runs on the server so you must make a request to the server to use it. What your trying to do is best achieved with Javascript, or if you really need database interaction, Ajax.

[MadTechie]

Echo thorpe.

 

perfect reply!

 

google "php dynamic drop down"

[daled]

i figured out that iframes will do it well enough.