Simple PHP: getting variable from a form input

Question

I can't really use PHP and from what I've seen in tutorials this should work, but it doesn't:

<html>
  <head></head>
  <body>
    <form>
      <input type='text' name="name" value='myName'>
    </form>
    <p>
      <?php
        $name = $_POST['name'];
        echo $name
      ?>
    </p>
  </body>
</html>

Is there a reason I can't get the value of name? Sorry for asking such a simple question...

here is the fiddle http://jsfiddle.net/DCmu5/1/, so, please try what you said and send it to me only when it works before answering

Add an <input type="submit" value="Go" /> and modify the for to POST method (`<form method="POST">=), submit the form, then it should be visible. — Fracsi
– Fracsi, Commented Jan 11, 2014 at 20:39

BenM · Accepted Answer · 2014-01-11 20:40:20Z

7

PHP is a server-side language, so you'll need to submit the form in order to access its variables.

Since you didn't specify a method, GET is assumed, so you'll need the $_GET super-global:

echo $_GET['name'];

It's probably better though, to use $_POST (since it'll avoid the values being passed in the URL directly. As such, you can add method attribute to your <form> element as follows:

<form method="post">
    <input type='text' name="name" value="myName" />
    <input type="submit" name="go" value="Submit" />
</form>

Notice I also added a submit button for good measure, but this isn't required. Simply hitting return inside the textbox would submit the form.

answered Jan 11, 2014 at 20:40

BenM

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8 Comments

towc Over a year ago

I tried that too... you mean <form method='POST'>, right? didn't work

BenM Over a year ago

Well, it should. Are you sure you're actually submitting the form?

towc Over a year ago

look at the fiddle and try it yourself: doesn't work! jsfiddle.net/DCmu5/1

BenM Over a year ago

Are you serious? Of course it doesn't work on jsFiddle... PHP code needs executing on a server, a proper server. Not jsFiddle.

towc Over a year ago

ok, I'll try on my server and tell you how it goes, even tho I think I've already tried

|

Machavity · Accepted Answer · 2014-01-11 20:39:45Z

3

Well, you have to POST your form to get the value of $_POST variables. Add this to your <form>

<form action="yourpagename.php" method="post">
    <input type='text' name="name" value='myName'>
    <button type="submit">Submit</button>
</form>

Click button and whatever is typed in your field will show up.

answered Jan 11, 2014 at 20:39

Machavity♦

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1 Comment

towc Over a year ago

wow... is it possible that such a simple question which should be at the basics of PHP isn't answerable?

Md. Imrul Kayes · Accepted Answer · 2021-09-11 20:24:27Z

1

<html>
<body>

<form method="post" action="1.php">
  Name: <input type="text" name="fname">
  <input type="submit">
</form>

<?php
if ($_SERVER["REQUEST_METHOD"] == "POST") {
  // collect value of input field
  $name = $_POST['fname'];
  if (empty($name)) {
    echo "Name is empty";
  } else {
    echo $name;
  }
}
?>

</body>
</html>

answered Sep 11, 2021 at 20:24

Md. Imrul Kayes

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Comments

Muhammad Rashid · Accepted Answer · 2014-01-11 20:41:31Z

0

try this

<?php
    if(isset($_REQUEST['name'])){
                $name = $_REQUEST['name'];
                echo $name;
    }
     ?>

answered Jan 11, 2014 at 20:41

Muhammad Rashid

5831 gold badge8 silver badges26 bronze badges

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