Storing Data in MySQL

[magneto]

Hello,

I have a form that combines java script and php to make calculations and then stores them in a database. On my tables, i have different options the user can select. For example, the 2 ton Unit has a value of 1492.

<option value="1492">2 Ton Unit</option>

My problem is that when values are being passed on to the database, it automatically passes the "value" instead of the name which makes sense. However, I would like "2 Ton Unit" to be stored instead of the number. Any suggestions to make this happen? I then send an email to the user with his/her selections and all they see is numbers which don't make a lot of sense.

Thanks people.

[LifeinAsia]

Create a lookup table that matches the numeric value with the text description. Something like:
UnitID Description
------ -----------
1492 2 Ton Unit

In most cases, you want to store the actual numeric value in your database- numeric values are faster to search and you don't need to change all your data if the description changes (you just make one change in the lookup table).

[magneto]

hello and thanks for your reply. could you please take a look at my new post. i think i have explained my problem a little better. thanks

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