Forms without using ASP

[Jim Holtan]

I'm sure this has been addressed before, and I apologize if I haven't found
the previous answers.

OK, if your server supports FrontPage 2002 extensions, but doesn't support
ASP, what do you need to create input forms? Do I need to train myself in a
new scripting language, like CGI? How can I simplify form creation and
collection of data without ASP?

I have a server that says it supports FrontPage functions, like forms,
collecting info to db, and others, but it DOES NOT support ASP, and I'm at a
loss as how to set up the form.

 

[Kevin Spencer]

Hi Jim,

Let me explain how forms work first. An HTML form is a document that uses
the HTTP POST method to send the contents of form fields in a POST Request
to the server. The Request is sent to the form handler specified in the
ACTION attribute of the form. The form handler is a piece of software,
usually in the form of a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) or ISAPI (Internet
Server Application Programming Interface) which resides on the server and
has a URL. ASP is an ISAPI, which means that files with an .asp extension
are processed by the ASP ISAPI on the server. CGI (Common Gateway Interface)
is a type of shell which sends the Request to a CGI script or executable. In
any case, it has to be handled by a server-side application that processes
the data.

If ASP is not available on the server, chances are, it is not a Windows
server, and you will need to ask the hosting service what server-side
technologies they DO support. Most support CGI and PHP, which is a lot like
ASP. PHP is a scripting technology. CGI can be scripting or executable
compiled code.

--
HTH,
Kevin Spencer
..Net Developer
Microsoft MVP
Neither a follower
nor a lender be.

 

[Jim Holtan]

Kevin, thanks so much. Things are beginning to come into perspective here.
Server in question supports PHPmySQL, so I guess that's the route I will be
going through to collect data.

As a FrontPage user, I'm more interested in 'getting the job done' than in
learning new languages and technologies. However, if I'm going to be on this
server, it looks like I will have to do the latter.

As I see it now, I'm going to have to: 1) develop a mySQL database for the
information I want, then 2) figure out how to use PHP to create a web page
that will interface with that db.

This is definately taking me out of my comfort zone, but the information
collection capability is very important to the project.

If anyone has suggestions for a path forward, I'd appreciate hearing them!

 

[Kevin Spencer]

Hi Jim,

Sounds like you have a plan. Of course, I would recommend using a Windows
server as a host, and using ASP or ASP.Net, but that isn't always an option.
Good luck to you!

--
HTH,
Kevin Spencer
..Net Developer
Microsoft MVP
Neither a follower
nor a lender be.

 

[Jim Holtan]

OK, now I need to ask: Has anyone used Form Processor Pro (MitriDAT). It
collects data from forms on a PHP enabled server and routes the data to email
or your chosen db (mySQL, csv).

This substitute for PHP scripting -- if it does what it's advertised as
doing -- would be well worth the $29 cost for me.

Since I've never heard of the company, though, I thought I'd check in here.
They're at: http://www.email-form.com

Thanks!
Jim

 

[Sarah]

We have had the same problem. One thing we looked at but didn't proceed with
was converting an Access database into mySql using one of the downloadable
programs that are available (or there are available instructions to do it
through Windows). It appears that only the tables can be converted and not
the queries - is this correct?

If they did convert everything then setting up the database in Access and
converting would be an answer.

Sarah