Navigation / Backbone script for a web app.
Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 4:53 pm
I'm a self-taught php 'scripter' who can't get his head around OOP. I feel like the train has left the station. That said, I hope you can offer me some ideas on how to accomplish the task before me.
I'm offering a web based service that accepts registrations ... the usual name, address, phone etc., then a lot of very specific information relating to the games an individual likes to play and what level they are at.
The process takes 13 forms from start to finish, more if they want to enter and event multiple times (loops back through 6 or 7 steps).
Basically each step has a script which looks up default values in the MySQL db, if none exist it places blanks in a $_SESSION array then places the form on the screen. A processing script validates the $_POST values and either throws an error message (going back to the same form) or stores everything in an Array, then sends the user on to the next step where it all starts over.
My issue is with controlling the 'flow'. Getting the user reliably from one step to another. I can handle just about anything when the user clicks on the controls I provide, but when they start navigating via their browser's buttons or History ... stuff falls apart really quickly.
What to do? I need to learn the best way to structure a multi-form 'interview process' - but don't know what I need to learn. Alternatively, is there a feature-rich developement tool which doesn't take 6 months to learn (I know that's an oxymoron) which might help me build a backbone script to tie this all together ... OR ... is there someone here who would be willing to mentor me and work with me to develop this application clean & tight? I'd be willing to pay for that.
Any input you can provide would be GREATLY appreciated. I've been at this for 9 months and have a lot of good pieces in place ... just need to tie those pieces all together. Thanks in advance for your help.
Jeff
I'm offering a web based service that accepts registrations ... the usual name, address, phone etc., then a lot of very specific information relating to the games an individual likes to play and what level they are at.
The process takes 13 forms from start to finish, more if they want to enter and event multiple times (loops back through 6 or 7 steps).
Basically each step has a script which looks up default values in the MySQL db, if none exist it places blanks in a $_SESSION array then places the form on the screen. A processing script validates the $_POST values and either throws an error message (going back to the same form) or stores everything in an Array, then sends the user on to the next step where it all starts over.
My issue is with controlling the 'flow'. Getting the user reliably from one step to another. I can handle just about anything when the user clicks on the controls I provide, but when they start navigating via their browser's buttons or History ... stuff falls apart really quickly.
What to do? I need to learn the best way to structure a multi-form 'interview process' - but don't know what I need to learn. Alternatively, is there a feature-rich developement tool which doesn't take 6 months to learn (I know that's an oxymoron) which might help me build a backbone script to tie this all together ... OR ... is there someone here who would be willing to mentor me and work with me to develop this application clean & tight? I'd be willing to pay for that.
Any input you can provide would be GREATLY appreciated. I've been at this for 9 months and have a lot of good pieces in place ... just need to tie those pieces all together. Thanks in advance for your help.
Jeff