MySQL UPDATE after use $uniqueID to find table row, etc

[jswebdev]

i have a table with 7 writable fields. i've already populated column1 w/ data. so, 6 fields in each row need updating.

the data in field #1 is a "unique identifier" code, but not the auto_increment field, and therefore should NOT be updated along with its row's neighboring cells. this "unique Identifier" column is used as a human-friendly reference-point for sifting through records in the table via HTML select dropdown box, and its value should remain static once entered into the db.

currently, the HTML from is set up as a dropdown list containing all $uniqueID options, and then 6 remaining <input type="text"> fields. i want to select one of those ID's and enter data in its 6 remaining fields-- preferrably all from one page. but, what if some, or all of those 6 remaining field properties of this ID are already populated? i need to be able to check the data in those cells which neighbor the unique ID option selected from the dropdown of so that i can recognize which fields of that row do not yet contain info, or if any existing info needs to be updated-- which might look something like this (off the top-of-my head):

PHP: Select all

<select name="rowID">
<option value="$uniqueID">$uniqueID</option>
</select>
$sql = "SELECT * from table where uID = $_POST['rowID']";

etc... 

i'd prefer to have this function happen all w/in one nice, tidy form-- so i can come upon this form, select my row ID, verify and/ or update existing data, OR add new data if the resulting fields are blank.

my obstacle is finding a way to populate those <input> fields. If there is already data in the uniqueID row's 6 other fields, i want that data to "populate" those text input fields so if modifications need to be done to the existing data, the data is already in the <input type="text"> fields-- making it very convenient for the user to manipulate-- so one needs only to put the cursor in the field and update the info.
if the fields in uniqueID's row are empty, then it would be as if it were any other form field w/ blank text input areas.

i hope this makes sense to you. i had difficulty in articulating what i'm trying to do here. sorry it took so many words to "talk it out"!

EDIT: if javascript is the answer, please give me a tip, or point me in the direction of a tutorial if you can-- i'm rather inexperienced in javascript. thanks!

thanks!!

[Rob]

What you are trying to do is a very standard thing.

All you need to do is to select an ID (row) from a dropdown.... the page should then (via javascript) throw the ID over to the script which will get the record and you can then populate the data into the form.

To use Pseudo code:-

Code: Select all

mode = [passed in via querystring]
 
if mode = "get"
   grab record number from querystring
   grab record data from DB into an array (based on the passed ID)
   set flag indicating we have a record
if mode = "update"
   get posted form data into an array
   update the record in the database
 
for both the above, redisplay the form with relevant record.
 
if no mode, just display the form

Crude.... but just to give you a general idea.