Login that generates personalized content

[Coppa]

Hi,
I wanted to know what type of script would i need to create a password protected site which will display that specific users past transactions, account status, etc.... I am designing a site that will offer free membership, however they can make purchases while they are logged in. kind of like how paypal is set up where when you login you have your uniqe up to date account info. If anyone can help me with documentation, links, or steer me in the right direction it would be appriciated.

thanks

[jimr451]

Hi,

Assuming you aren't going to use the build in server authentication (htaccess for example in the Apache server), you probably would use cookies to handle the login and "customized" content.

The basic idea is that when a user hits any page in the "protected" area, the system (script) first checks to see if the user is logged in - this means checking a "cookie" value to see who they are.

If they aren't logged in, you present them with a login screen. If they are, you go get their information from a database, file, whatever, to present the customized content.

Keep in mind - security is extremely important here. If you are going to be accepting credit cards, or processing payments of any kind, you must be careful to verify the user. This is one reason why Amazon always asks for your password before you can check out - even though it thinks it knows who you are the entire time. Just a warning.

I'd research "user registration systems" - maybe look at some scripts on "cgi-resources.com" or elsewhere that handle user registration in any way (forum scripts are good for this too:) .

Hope this helps!

-jim

[Coppa]

Thanks Jim,
Im looking into it.

[Jona]

Originally posted by jimr451
[Y]ou probably would use cookies to handle the login and "customized" content.

You could also use a database to store information for each specific member.

Also, I think the site you were referring to, Jim, was http://cgi.resourceindex.com/ if I am not mistaken.

[J]ona