Forms Multiple Pages Dont Want To Submit Till Last Page

[JustinK101]

I have a sign up form, which has four pages, with each page having a form and fields. I want to pass each pages form data on to the next page until finally the fourth page is filled out, then at that pull all the form data from each page and store into a mysql database. How is this possible? What is the most elegant way of doing this?

[JustinK101]

Humm I just thought, can I store the global array $_POST of each form page in a session, then pull all the 3 session $_POST values out on the fourth page?

[devstudio]

I always find it easiest to make sure all form data is passed as an array.

 

<input type="text" name="formData[name]">

 

Elegant is a matter of opinion.

• Dump each pages form data ($_GET[formData or $_POST[formData]) into a session and append to that session with each subsequent page, on the last page insert from the session.
  
• Serialize each pages formdata and place that serialized string into a hidden field.  Append to the string on subsequent pages.  Unserialize on the final page and perform your operations.
  

 

 

Best, Nathan

 

[JustinK101]

Seems like storing the $_POST of each page in a session is the best way? Does it make sense to do:

 

# Page 1

 

$_SESSION['page_1'] = serialize($_POST);

 

# Page 2

 

$_SESSION['page_2'] = serialize($_POST);

 

# Page 3

 

$_SESSION['page_3'] = serialize($_POST);

 

# Page 4

 

$page_1 = unserialize($_SESSION['page_1']);

$page_2 = unserialize($_SESSION['page_2']);

$page_3 = unserialize($_SESSION['page_3']);

[devstudio]

I think that makes fine sense.

 

As long as $_POST is only what you want.  Of course you can unset() anything out of $_POST before serializing.

 

Keep in mind these types of User Interfaces is what AJAX is all about.

 

Best, Nathan

[JustinK101]

Do I even have serialze the $_POST array or can I simply stick it into the session without serializing?

[devstudio]

Serialization certainly isn't required.

 

But to keep some sanity, I would recommend building a multidimensional array.

 

// Assign Page 1
$_SESSION['page_1'] = $_POST;

// Assign Page 2
$_SESSION['page_2'] = $_POST;

// Assign Page 3
$_SESSION['page_3'] = $_POST;

[Bigdogcms]

use javascript to set sessions just use onblur or onfocus to submit the info, if u can wait i can try to write u a script in the morning(too tired now)

[JustinK101]

I can wait bigDogCms, thanks!

[lordfrikk]

Just a note - when you decide to use JS based solution, make sure it will work for those, who have JS turned off as well (known as (graceful) degradation - http://webtips.dan.info/graceful.html).