Select from webpage then print selected items

JavaScript
1

I am a beginner with JavaScript. I have modified a script or two, but have no real JavaScript knowledge. Others with more knowledge than I have suggested that I check here.

I am building a website for my daughter. She wants to put up a list of items (groceries). The visitors would select the items they want to buy, and then print a shopping list. If there is an available online coupon, that may also be printed. There would be no need to remember the information after the visitor prints. I will be getting a JavaScript book(s) to teach myself something about the language, but for this project, I don’t know where to start?

Do I need to have the items in a database, or just program a button in front of each item?

Do I need two different (or more) scripts? One to select items, one to display the items, and one to print (or use the browser print)?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

2

None of that needs to be done with client-side javascript scripting. You will want to investigate instead server-side scripting such as PHP so that you can process submitted forms, and [url=“http://www.sitepoint.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=182”]MySQL for handling a database.

The only thing that javascript does for you, is that it can in some cases improve the user experience. It cannot though do other things that you need for your project to work as you have stated.

3

Thanks.

I am now completely confused about where to go for help. Probably my fault for not knowing how to ask for what I need.

4

We do have a couple of books that can help you to get where you want to go.

Build Your Own Web Site The Right Way Using HTML & CSS, 2nd Edition

and

Build Your Own Database Driven Web Site Using PHP & MySQL, 4th Edition

5

Paul,

I will be purchasing some SitePoint books soon. That may have to wait until the end of the year to see how much I have left in the bank. :slight_smile:

In the mean time, I will continue to try to find a way to build a page of items, select them and print the selected items.

6

Our PHP forum may be the best place to get that info then.

7

Paul,

The PHP forum told me that PHP will not be able to select and print.

8

You might not be asking them the right question.

Try something like:

I want people to select groceries from a list stored in our database, so that we can find coupons for them.
The people will then be able to print out their grocery list and the matching coupons.

9

Paul,

Thanks. I have added to the thread in the PHP forum.