How to Insert Into a Database With a Drop-down Menu With PHP

A drop-down menu lets your users choose one value, but you must first make a connection to the database before inserting that value into a table. The PHP and MySQL languages work natively together, so the functions to connect them are already included with the PHP library. You can then insert the user's selected value into a MySQL table using the PHP programming language.

Instructions

1. Right-click the PHP page you want to edit and select "Open With." Select your PHP editor from the list of programs.

2. Add a connection to the server and choose a database where you want to insert the new value. The following code shows you how to connect to MySQL from PHP:

   mysql_connect("localhost", "myname", "mypass") ;
   mysql_select_db("mydatabasename") or die(mysql_error());

   Replace your MySQL server name and username and password in the first set of parameters. In the MySQL select function, type your database name.

3. Create the query string that inserts a record using the selected value from a drop-down box. The following code shows you how to create an insert query:

   $sql = "insert into orders (product) values ('" + $_POST['productList'] + "')";

   The "productList" is the name of the drop-down on your page. Change this name with the name of your own drop-down box.

4. Send the query to the MySQL server. After the query is set up, you must send it to the database server. Use the following code to send to the user:

   $insertresult= mysql_fetch_array( $sql);

References

• Tizag: Mysql Query