PHP Querying MySQL Database

[JenniferKearns]

Hi

Im just wondering if anyone has any idea about how to execute a query to a mysql database. The query is input as an SQL statement from a HTML page. I've tried a few things but nothing is working.

If anyone has any ideas, please help

Thanks.

[Helge]

Hi,
If I understand you correctly, something along these lines will work

<?php
$link = mysql_connect("localhost", "mysql_user", "mysql_password") 
        or die('Could not connect: ' . mysql_error());
mysql_select_db("your_database") 
        or die('Could not select databse: ' . mysql_error()); 


$query = $_POST['query']; // Get sql from html form.

$result = mysql_query($query)
        or die('Error while executing query: ' . mysql_error());

while($row = mysql_fetch_array($result)) {
    echo '<br>field1: ' . $row['field1'];
    echo '<br>field2: ' . $row['field2'];
    echo '<br>field3: ' . $row['field3'];
    echo '<br>';
}
?>

Remeber to change all the names/variables to reflect your settings.

HTH

-Helge

[JenniferKearns]

Thanks that seems to be working. I'm a bit confused about the part that returns the results to the screen. If the user is entering a different SQL query each tome what do i need to do?

[samsm]

Thanks that seems to be working. I'm a bit confused about the part that returns the results to the screen. If the user is entering a different SQL query each time what do i need to do?

That's kind of a broad question so I am not sure how to answer it exactly. If you make it more specific or give some examples, it may be easier to help.

However, I suggest you look at this tutorial, which I found quite useful in the past: http://www.mysql.com/articles/ddws/20.html
Actually, instead go to the sitepoint books page and download the four free chapters... same tutorial, a little more up-to-date. Skim over the parts you already know.

[Dr Livingston]

Also do a search at www.wdvl.com on mysql - should give a suitable list of mySQL tutorials for you 8)

[DR_LaRRY_PEpPeR]

be very, very careful with that if you're letting anyone enter queries!