How to Set a Session Variable in PHP

PHP session variables are used in e-commerce sites.

PHP is a Web programming language used in many sites to run database-driven sites and e-commerce sites. One of the many attributes of PHP is the capability to hold information you can pass on from one Web page to another. To do this in PHP, you need to set a session variable. Session variables serve as temporary storage for certain information such as usernames and passwords or shopping cart items. Session variables only last during the time a visitor is on your site and the information is automatically deleted once he leaves the site.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Open a new file in Notepad.

2. Type in the code to start your PHP session:

   <?php

   session_start();

   ?>

3. Add the code to set your session variable:

   <?php

   session_start();

   $_SESSION["color"] = "red";

   ?>

   In the above example, the session variable is set to "red."

4. Add the following code to test if the session variable is set :

   <?php

   echo $_SESSION["color"];

   ?>

5. Save it as a PHP file.

6. Upload the file to your Web host and open it on your browser. You should be able to see a page displaying the text "red."

References

• Tizag.com: PHP Tutorial