How might I use dropdown lists, and update a database table?

[IChaps]

Hello.

 

I'd like to request a little guidance with regards forms and updating a database table please.

 

I've created a form which has a dropdown list.

 

I'd just like to enquire:-

 

1. How do I pass the selected result from the dropdown list to a variable? (at present I've written:- $user_gender = $_POST["profile_gender"]

 

2. I'm unable to update the database table. The database opens and there's no errors reported. I'd just like to ask the following looks ok? $sql = "UPDATE registration_table SET Gender='$user_gender' WHERE Member_id='$userID'";

 

Thank You.

 

[Ingolme]

Assuming the form was submitted properly, the value from the dropdown will be in one of the elements in $_POST or $_GET. You could assign it to a variable or use it directly.

 

You should use prepared statements for your queries. Here's the tutorial page for prepared statements:

http://www.w3schools.com/php/php_mysql_prepared_statements.asp