How can I make paragraphs possible ...?

[tobias.graf]

I have a form with a text-field. If I type some text (with paragraphs) in it and save it (the text is now going to be stored in a MySQL db) there are no paragraphs left when I display the stored text on a page ... Why???

Thanks for all helpful advice!

tg

[hpnadig]

that is because your database doesn't take in newline (\n) and converts it to space instead...

[tobias.graf]

and how can I change this???

[vgarcia]

Either the database or the browser is converting \n characters. Try this (replace $text with your variable) and see if it changes anything.

<p><?php echo str_replace("\n\n", "</p><p>", $text);?></p>

[tobias.graf]

that works :-) THANKs!

[boccio]

Either the database or the browser is converting \n characters. Try this (replace $text with your variable) and see if it changes anything.

<p><?php echo str_replace("\n\n", "</p><p>", $text);?></p>

I think it's much easier (and faster) to accomplish the same thing with nl2br() ...

stay good

[website]

nl2br doesn't insert <p>, only <br />...

[boccio]

In a scenario where someone types text in a form, and separates his paragraphs by pressing 'enter' key, you can use <p> html tag to present these \n chars, but practically the same thing is accomplished by using <br /> for each '\n' ...

So, my reccomendation is that for this specific issue nl2br() is the right choice, nothing more...

p.s. One question for SitePoint admins: I'm curious how does QuickReply form handles '\n' ??

[vgarcia]

In a scenario where someone types text in a form, and separates his paragraphs by pressing 'enter' key, you can use <p> html tag to present these \n chars, but practically the same thing is accomplished by using <br /> for each '\n' ...

So, my reccomendation is that for this specific issue nl2br() is the right choice, nothing more...

Which is more proper though, representing paragraphs with paragraph tags, or two hard breaks? I'd go for the paragraphs personally.

[website]

yes, also adds possibility for style sheets to modify eg the first line/letter in each paragraph, something that would not be possible if you use nl2br

[boccio]

yes, also adds possibility for style sheets to modify eg the first line/letter in each paragraph, something that would not be possible if you use nl2br

ok, argument accepted. as for myself, so far I handled form inputs (text areas) with nl2br, but...
it's never too late to admit you're wrong...