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DeadlyPersona
08-17-2007, 07:46 PM
Hello All!
I must say this is the best forum I have found thus far! I have found so many answers to things I know I will need in the near future. Now let me tell you guys what my issue or issues are. First, I'm very new at web developing. I do not know anything about HTML, JAVASCRIPT, or PHP. However, I'm a quick learner.
This is what I want to do on a website but I have no clue where to start. I do not know how to write the code.
I am creating a website that will allow customers to custom order baskets. I want the customers to be able to select from several drop down lists and whatever item or items they click on will be highlighted. Then the last step will be to click create and it will take them to another page that will show what they ordered.
For example:
Flowers
roses
tulips
daisies
Balloons
blue
red
yellow
Size
small
medium
large
So, if a customer wants a large basket with a blue balloon and a rose how do I create a form for that? Please help!
ray326
08-17-2007, 09:16 PM
http://www.w3schools.com/ is a good starting point.
I'd recommend what you want are really check boxes and radio buttons rather than option lists. From your example's wording I'd say Flowers and Balloons would be check boxes and Size would be a radio button. Also I'd start by using a <dl> type list to mark them up in the form. I know what I've said here probably doesn't make much sense to you but it will after a few hours at w3schools.
kiwibrit
08-18-2007, 06:05 AM
......... I do not know anything about HTML, JAVASCRIPT, or PHP. .........
And you want to code a form?
Be aware that almost anyone can do that - but not one that traps inadvertent mistakes by your visitors, or malicious input by hackers, or spambots looking for you email address.
That said, thesitewizard's form (http://www.thesitewizard.com/wizards/feedbackform.shtml) is a good starting point - but you will need to understand the things you say you don't understand to add features for your site - and enhance security.
I would start by gaining a working knowledge of html and php. Javascript is also useful, but there a lot of scripts around that are readily adaptable once you have a glimmer on coding principles.
When you have your form up and running, keep abreast of security discussions on this and other forums. There are some bad guys out there - you need to be ready for them.
DeadlyPersona
08-18-2007, 03:16 PM
Ok thanks so much for the feedback! (kiwibrit and ray326) I did go to the recommended links and learned a few things and yes, it did take a couple of hours.
My next step is to add a PREVIEW ORDER BUTTON which I know how to add by researching serveral tutorials. Now my issue is once the customer clicks on the PREVIEW ORDER BUTTON I want it open another page that will show the items they chose before they submit the order. Below I have included a short example of the HTML coding. I don't know how the add the next steps of opening another page allowing customers to view their order before submitting. PLEASE HELP :)
<html>
<body>
<form action="">
Almonds
<input type="checkbox" name="embeds" value="Almonds" />
<br />
Apple Slices
<input type="checkbox" name="embeds" value="Apple Slices" />
<br />
Bows
<input type="checkbox" name="embeds" value="Bows" />
Butterflies
<input type="checkbox" name="embeds" value="Butterflies" />
<br />
Christmas Trees
<input type="checkbox" name="embeds" value="Christmas Trees" />
<br />
<br>
<br>
<br>
<form action="">
<input type="button" value="Preview Order">
</form>
</body>
</html>
kiwibrit
08-18-2007, 06:47 PM
I'd use a server side language.
DeadlyPersona
08-18-2007, 07:42 PM
What is a server side language? And how do I use it? I think I may have read in these forums about PHP (I'm assuming that's a server side language) and I have read articles and various forums about PHP but unfortunately, I really don't understand it. I was told that what I wanted to accomplish with my forms could be done via html, but I guess that's incorrect.
I'm usually pretty independent, but with this issue I'm having and trying to understand the "computer language", I need someone to hold my hand. :(
So, if PHP is a code or whatever, where do I place it in my code? Does it go before the checkboxes? After the checkboxes?
ray326
08-18-2007, 11:57 PM
What is a server side language?You'll need a language and a database manager to do this right. You'll have to check your hosting service for what's available. Quite often it will be PHP and MySQL. It may be a good idea to consider hiring a local web developer with appropriate experience to help you out with this. Another slower, less expensive alternative would be to take some continuing ed courses at a local community college that are specific to the language and database you'll have available. There are of course tons of resources on the web, too, and lots of helpful folks here.