[SOLVED] PHP Help...I'm stuck

[atl_andy]

I have a form with several fields that submits data to a postgresql database.  Some additional functionality I would like to add, any help is greatly appreciated:

 

1.  Have a check for duplicates (against data already in the sql database) completed when text is entered in one of the fields.  No duplicate information can be entered.  I would like to perform this check when the text is entered instead of when the form is submitted.

 

2.  When a box is checked, another window pops up to choose other information; when the information is chosen, the base field is populated.  Does php have this functionality?  Is this better handled with another language?

 

3.  When the form data is submitted, display an error if any of the fields are blank.

 

4.  I'm having trouble formatting a query into table format.  Any advice here would be helpful, currently I can only get it to format in a comma-delimmit(sp?) format.

 

[xyn]

1. use ajax. although is javascript if turned off. Theres problems.

2. use the onclick. again if javascript is turned off. this results in pop-up failure.

3. php.net/isset

4. i only know mysql, mssql. sorry [:

[atl_andy]

Thanks for the help.  I used a different method, but you helped me get to the right place.  It was easier to use the following to see if a filed is blank:

 

if (strlen($_POST['serialnumber']) == 0)
   {
       echo "<h2><b>Serial number field cannot be blank!  Go back, enter data and submit form again.<b></h2><br />";
   }