[SOLVED] IsPostBack in PHP

[dbo]

What's the best way to implement a function/variable to determine if the page is a post back in PHP. I've got a few ideas but I'm interested in what you guys have done.

[Fadion]

If i remember it right, "ispostback" in asp determines if a page is posted, so i guess isset($_POST['variable']) is much the same. Maybe im wrong anyway.

[dbo]

Yeah that's right... but in ASP/ASP.NET you don't have to specify the name of any variables... was hoping for something more generic. Then you've also got the case of image buttons, etc. The best thing I can come up with right now relies on a naming convention for the html forum elements... btnSearch (for example). Then search the post array for any variables prefixed with btn, then check if it's set or in the case of an image button if x or y coordinates exist. Seems like there has to be a better way though. I think just being able to say, IsPostBack at the top of my form would be more elegant, I dunno.

[lemmin]

if (count($_POST))

 

That should return true if the form posted a variable and false if not.

[tibberous]

if(count($_POST) > 1)

[trq]

<?php

  if ($_SERVER['REQUEST_METHOD'] == 'POST') {

  }

?>

[dbo]

Great! Thanks for the replies guys... you've given me some good ideas.

 

Are there any drawbacks or "gotchas" with the count method on the post array? For some reason I'm more partial to that solution initially.

[trq]

Are there any drawbacks or "gotchas" with the count method on the post array?

 

The only gotcha would be if all fileds where left blank prior to posting. count($_POST) will still return 0.

[dbo]

Hrmm. Won't buttons always have a value unless someone is screwing with the form (which if they are I don't want to play nice with them anyways!)?

[lemmin]

It will still work if the fields are left blank, because post will contain keys of the field names, with null values. Also, if the submit button has a name, that will always be in the $_POST array when the button is clicked.

[dbo]

Ok, great guys. You've given me some good insight to consider. I'll look at both methods more thoroughly before making my final decision. Ultimately this is going to be implemented into a quasi rapid application development framework for PHP. Still trying to do some planning and right now and just throwing out ideas/asking for suggestions as things come to mind. I appreciate all the help.