Ok, there is nothing more boring than forms. But it is really important for us as web designers and developers to know how to capture information put into forms, validate it on both the server side for the person who is collecting the information and on the client side for the person filling out the form. This lesson shows basic validation on both the server and client sides using PHP (server) and JavaScript (client).
Note: In order to do this lesson, you will need to have a local server installed so that the PHP can run. Check out MAMP for the Mac, or XAMPP for Mac, Windows or Linux. All of them are free.
Parts two and three will look at using jQuery to make validation a little easier. Part four looks at using the awesome jQuery validator plugin. Part 5 gets into HTML5 and the awesome stuff we will be able to do with forms, once those features are supported by browsers. I strongly recommend working through all the parts to get the full scoop on html forms and validation.
Difficulty: easy-moderate
Skills: Moderate HTML, Light PHP, Light JavaScript
Time Required: 1 hour
Start Files: none
Completed Example Files: MeadDesign Forms Part 1.zip
Presentation: Forms Part 1
