How can I include several PHP variables in the URL for my online cart?

Ecom
1

I need to send product details such as size, color, and quantity through the URL in my cart. My GET method is not capturing these values. How can I include them?

<div class="item-details">
  <select name="prod_size" id="prod_size"><?php echo $sizeOptions; ?></select>
  <select name="prod_color" id="prod_color"><?php echo $colorOptions; ?></select>
  <input type="number" name="prod_qty" id="prod_qty" value="1">
  <a href="store.php?add_item=<?php echo $itemID; ?>&amp;size=<?php echo $selectedSize; ?>">Add Item</a>
</div>

<?php
function updateCart() {
    global $db;
    if (isset($_GET['add_item'])) {
        $size = $_GET['prod_size'];
        $color = $_GET['prod_color'];
        $qty = $_GET['prod_qty'];
        // Insert item into cart database
        echo "Item added";
    }
}
?>
2

In my experience, ensuring that all necessary variables are appended to the URL requires proper encoding and that each variable is actually collected before generating the URL. A common pitfall is constructing a link before the form fields have been submitted, so sometimes using a GET form instead of a static link can be more efficient. Additionally, make sure you apply functions such as urlencode when appending multiple variables, which avoids issues with special characters. Reviewing the order of operations in how values are set and then read in the GET method proved particularly useful.

3

Hey all, I’ve been digging into this issue and it got me thinking about the timing of when those variables are actually picked up. It might be that the link is getting built even before you’ve had a chance to fully interact with the form elements, so sometimes wrapping everything in an actual form and submitting might ensure the values are up to date. I’m also wondering if mixing static links with dynamic user input might be the culprit here; maybe consider rethinking how the data flows from selection to URL generation. Has anyone tried reloading parts of the page or using AJAX to handle this smoothly? I’d love to hear thoughts on potential security pros and cons of sending so much data in the URL versus other methods. What are your experiences with keeping URLs clean yet functional, especially on mobile devices where screen space and network conditions vary?