PHP $_SESSION variables not storing values

Question

I'm trying to use PHP session variables to carry data over multiple pages. I am using session variables on many parts of my site, but this is the first place where they don't work.

I'm setting it like this:

$_SESSION["savedRetailerName"] = $foo;

And calling it like this:

echo $_SESSION["savedRetailerName"];

The session id remains the same between these two pages, and I'm sure that I'm setting the variables right and that they are being called right. I start the session correctly, and even on that particular page, other session variables are being shown properly.

How can I begin to debug this odd behavior?

Edit:

There are two different pages I'm currently dealing with. Page 2 sets the session variables, and there is a button that will return the user to Page 1. The idea is to still have the fields in Page 1 filled in if the user wishes to return to Page 1.

It is not a cache problem, and I can return other session variables in the exact same spot in my code as where I am failing to return these variables.

The only other code that may be pertinent is the back button handler (jQuery):

  $('#backButton').live('click',function() {
        window.location.replace("page 1");
    });

Edit 2:

I believe this isn't working because of something with variables here:

    <?php
    $retailerName = $_REQUEST["retailerName"];
    $description = $_REQUEST["description"];
    $savingsDetails = $_REQUEST["savingsDetails"];
    $terms = $_REQUEST["terms"];
    $phone = $_REQUEST["phone"];
    $address = $_REQUEST["address"];
    $zone = $_REQUEST["zone"];
    $dateExp = $_REQUEST["dateExp"];
    $tag = $_REQUEST["tag"];

    $_SESSION["rn"] = $retailerName;
    $_SESSION["de"] = $description;
    $_SESSION["sd"] = $savingsDetails;
    $_SESSION["tm"] = $terms;
    $_SESSION["ph"] = $phone;
    $_SESSION["ad"] = $address;
    $_SESSION["zo"] = $zone;
    $_SESSION["ex"] = $dateExp;
    $_SESSION["tg"] = $tag;
    ?>

I am able to set any session variable to a string, but it won't set to a variable.

did you make sure that was something in the $foo variable? — Naftali
– Naftali, Commented May 5, 2011 at 20:18
@Sennheiser No, that's all you think is relevant. It's likely you're overlooking something. — Joe Phillips
– Joe Phillips, Commented May 5, 2011 at 20:40
I'd recommend reading stackoverflow.com/questions/107683/… as well. — Rich Bradshaw
– Rich Bradshaw, Commented May 5, 2011 at 21:24
If it sets to a string, then SESSIONS AREN'T YOUR PROBLEM! Don't blame the session because you're passing it garbage. — Chris Eberle
– Chris Eberle, Commented May 5, 2011 at 21:33

Chris Eberle · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-05 20:24:13Z

6

You want to use session_start before you set or use any session variables. You only need to call it once.

If it's working in other places, odds are that this particular block of code is being executed before session_start is called.

answered May 5, 2011 at 20:24

Chris Eberle

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3 Comments

Joe Phillips Over a year ago

@Sennheiser I'm assuming you are doing this on both Page1 and Page2?

AKor Over a year ago

@Joe: Yes. As I stated before, I have other session variables that output perfectly in the same location in my code as the session variables I am trying to carry over

Joe Phillips Over a year ago

@Sennheiser You don't think that your other code that is modifying/using the session variable is relevant to your problem? Please, just show the code

Ivan · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-05 20:41:12Z

3

remove all non printable characters before <?php you may not see them..

answered May 5, 2011 at 20:41

Ivan

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Joe Phillips · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-05 21:55:14Z

1

You have spaces before your <php tag
You don't have session_start() anywhere
You are using the $_REQUEST variable which is sketchy (use $_GET or $_POST instead)

edited May 5, 2011 at 21:55

answered May 5, 2011 at 21:23

Joe Phillips

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Comments

Oliver M Grech · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-05 20:28:53Z

-1

You would also need to register the session using

session_register @ php.net

answered May 5, 2011 at 20:28

Oliver M Grech

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3 Comments

gen_Eric Over a year ago

"This function has been DEPRECATED as of PHP 5.3.0. Relying on this feature is highly discouraged."

Oliver M Grech Over a year ago

Much apologies, somethimes it's hard to keep up with all the change logs. So with that said, what's the recommended way of "registering" a $_SESSION? Just assign it a value and that's it or what? Thanks for the tip off

gen_Eric Over a year ago

@Oliver: Call session_start, then just do $_SESSION['key'] = $value.

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