Can I use window.open to open an existing php file and pass a javascript variables to that php page?

Question

I have some JavaScript variable in the parent browser window and now I want to open a new window(an existing php file) by clicking a certain button and pass those variable to the opened page. I know I can achieve that by GET method and I just wonder if there is a clearer way I can do it so I don't have to append the variable value at the end of the URL. I also searched on google and SO, someone suggested using window.opener somehow it seemed not to apply to php. I'm still a newbie. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

scripts in the opener page

var newWindow = window.open ("myfile.php" ,"_blank");
newWindow.var1="hello";
newWindow.var2="world";

myfile.php

//Is it possible to use the variables in php page as below?
window.opener.var1;
window.opener.var2;

Research the $_POST array instead of $_GET to avoid appending data to the URL string. Also, before anyone will post answers, you need to post what efforts you've made (ie: where's your coded attempt?) — Brant
– Brant, Commented Jul 6, 2012 at 18:36
This question is too vague. What are you trying to do? Why is appending variables to the URL a problem? — colonelclick
– colonelclick, Commented Jul 6, 2012 at 18:42
@colonelclick, the variable passed could be really long so I would rather avoid appending it to the URL if that's possible — aarryy
– aarryy, Commented Jul 6, 2012 at 19:27

sachleen · Accepted Answer · 2012-07-06 18:38:51Z

2

If you want those variables to be accessible to the PHP code, then no, the GET method is the easiest and most clear way of doing it.

No JS needed to open new window:
<a href="myfile.php?var1=foo&var2=bar" target="_blank">mylink</a>

JS method:
window.open("http://mysite.com/myfile.php?var1=foo&var2=bar");

myfile.php

<?php
    $var1 = $_GET['var1'];
    $var2 = $_GET['var2'];
    ...
?>

edited Jul 6, 2012 at 18:38

answered Jul 6, 2012 at 18:35

sachleen

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Comments

Niet the Dark Absol · Accepted Answer · 2012-07-06 18:36:02Z

1

You can use a form with POST method and target="_blank", but other than that your options are limited.

People don't like popups anyway.

answered Jul 6, 2012 at 18:36

Niet the Dark Absol

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