Global Variable/Quota System

[ironica]

Is there a way of implementing something of a global variable, or a global counter for forms, so that I can set up a quota system for a reservations form and track each successful reservation?

 

i.e. if (counter* < 20)

              echo option for 5:30 to 6:00

 

where counter is the number of times anyone has submitted the form with that option? it works perfectly, except for , well, the counter part ;p

 

 

I tried using a file but that just ended sour.

[PHP Monkeh]

Is using a database a viable option?  I'm hoping it is if you're taking reservations

[ironica]

mmm, I never planned it that way. Boss just wanted emails with the details of each applicant listed sequentially. It's not too large a scope that it can't be manually managed like that

[PHP Monkeh]

A database would make life so much simpler, especially if you're trying to eliminate multiple reservations of the same time etc.  The only way to do it (apart from files like you said) would be to edit the reservation form each time someone submits a reservation, so that the specific time/date is disabled or something.  But that sounds insane!  Consider a database, they're speedy and you can avoid duplicate bookings with ease.