[hooloovoo33]

I started a discussion a while ago in the "database" section about creating a searchable database, this is a continuation of that, kinda.

What need to do, is have the user enter a series of instruments, and then somehow be able to rate their musical experience with that instrument, and then submit that to a database to be displayed later. Right now im just trying to get the whole html form part of it down.

Any suggestions on the structure or any other comments are highly apreciated.

Thanks-

hooloovoo33

This post has been edited by hooloovoo33: 13 May 2007 - 08:42 AM

[marcamos]

I'm going to recommend that you offer the visitors select elements instead of input (type=text) elements for the receiving of their instrument names. This will force them to choose an instrument (or set of instruments) that you define, guaranteeing that you won't have mis-spellings.

It will ensure that the database is always receiving accurate data and you're not having to sort through mis-spelled versions of instrument names.

[Ben Abrams]

herkalees, on May 13 2007, 03:00 PM, said:

I'm going to recommend that you offer the visitors select elements instead of input (type=text) elements for the receiving of their instrument names. This will force them to choose an instrument (or set of instruments) that you define, guaranteeing that you won't have mis-spellings.

It will ensure that the database is always receiving accurate data and you're not having to sort through mis-spelled versions of instrument names.

i would agree with that too.

[hooloovoo33]

yah, i have checkboxes too, this was going to be an "other" category.
Do you think its to much of a pain to try and to it with a text box?

[Ben Abrams]

hooloovoo33, on May 13 2007, 09:05 PM, said:

yah, i have checkboxes too, this was going to be an "other" category.
Do you think its to much of a pain to try and to it with a text box?

no, we meant use a drop down select. This means you can enter your values and control what is inputted. Leaving a text box for users to fill in means less accurate data, as people could enter violin, vialin, viowlin etc etc.

[TJSingleton]

you mean a fiddle?

[hooloovoo33]

Yah. I see what you mean. I've decided to use check boxes and radio buttons, because drop downs don't really look all that good. But it means a lot of work on my part. Any idea where I can find a good Form Creator? I've googled it, but i havnt really found anything.

http://www.themusici...et/connect1.htm

Theres a link if your looking for a general idea. Keep in mind its really really really rough, but thats the idea, just w/more instruments and no drop down.
Also what is the best way to create an interactive form? Flash? Javascript?

Thanks a lot...

-hooloovoo33

[Telos]

Checkboxes/radiobuttons are good if you have a limited number of choices to choose from, but I would imagine that there are a lot of different instruments to choose from so I agree with the others to go with a select box (dropdown).

I don't suggest any form creators since there are no real guarantees about their quality and you may end up searching for an simple error for ages. Even if it may seem a lot of job you should do it by yourself. Use PHP or some other programming language to create the boxes from an array of choices if it seems easier.

For interactivity I would recommend javascript. When everything happens client side it's always better for the end user.

[Ben Abrams]

hooloovoo33, on May 16 2007, 02:48 AM, said:

Yah. I see what you mean. I've decided to use check boxes and radio buttons, because drop downs don't really look all that good.

css is your friend. Give it a go anyway, as long forms can bore the user. you want to encourage people to add their details

hooloovoo33, on May 16 2007, 02:48 AM, said:

Also what is the best way to create an interactive form? Flash? Javascript?

what do you mean by interactive? Keeping the form simple and easy to understand should be paramount.

[hooloovoo33]

Ok, yah, interactive might have been the wrong word. What I would like to do is: I want to have just one drop-down box displayed normally
but you can click a button to add more. Like on gmail, if you have it, it has something which lets you put on extra attachments past 3 if you need more. That kinda thing. All the new drop-downs would all have the same options, but it allows the user to choose as many instruments as he or she plays.



EDIT: Nevermind, I figured it out. Javascript. Thanks though.

This post has been edited by hooloovoo33: 19 May 2007 - 07:52 AM