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Parsing formmail data into a database

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skylark_za

9:28 am on May 15, 2003 (gmt 0)

10+ Year Member



I am using formmail to e-mail me a completed html form, this is working correctly.

I would also like to have these forms fields saved into a database (access).

Please ask if you need more information.

Mardi_Gras

12:10 pm on May 15, 2003 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Senior Member 10+ Year Member



Welcome to WebmasterWorld, skylark_za :)

There are a lot of ways to parse the data out of your form. Specifically dumping it into access may complicate things just a little bit - it's been a while since I investigated the options available.

The solution I use is Outlook-based. I use an add-in called Catrap (ornicusa) which I have set up to:

a) parse the data into my Outlook contact file (including custom fields)
b) simultaneously export the data into a text file database. I don't remember if going into access was an option, but once you have the data you can get it there pretty easily one way or another.
c) it works on the inbox (or any box of your choosing) so I was able to automatically parse lots of inquiries from past years - most solutions don't do that so easily.

I like this solution because it is absolutely seamless and requires no action on my part - as e-mail comes in, those that meet certain criteria are parsed automatically. But there are lots of other options you could look at which may meet your needs, including messageparse and Advanced E-Mail Parser (mailutilities.com). Some of these are programs that check your mail independently of your e-mail program, which adds another step.

In short, you should be able to find something out there that meets your needs pretty easily. Good luck.

rogerd

1:51 pm on May 15, 2003 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Administrator 10+ Year Member



Welcome, Skylark_za!

Since it appears you control the web site, another option would be to modify your script to write the data to a file on your server in addition to sending the e-mail. This file could then be downloaded as needed.

skylark_za

2:41 pm on May 15, 2003 (gmt 0)

10+ Year Member



Thanks for the replies.

rogerd,
Your suggestion would be fine, except, how would I get the FormMail script to email the data (already doing this)as well as storing it to the database? I am new to CGI scripts and I have only been able to configure the basic parameters. Your guidance would be greatly appreciated.

rogerd

3:04 pm on May 15, 2003 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Administrator 10+ Year Member



As I recall, that's a Perl script... I'm sure a Perl jockey could whip something up quickly, though you could probably cobble something together yourself from a Perl book or online resources if you are so inclined.