Simple HTTP query variable.

[JAB Creations]

I need a little guidance creating a variable with a path that includes an HTTP query. When I pass something though a function like something(this) what is this technically called? Also how do I use it to properly construct the URL?

- John

Page Function

contact_artist(law);

Current Attempt

function contact_artist(artist) {
var ajax_this = 'templates/contact-email.php?nameis=' + (artist);
ajaxpage(ajax_this, 'promptsajax');
}

Currently Working / Static

function contact_artist_static_name {
ajaxpage('templates/contact-email.php?nameis=static_name', 'promptsajax');
}

[coopster]

It is commonly called a function argument (or parameter). In this case, you are merely making a string so build the string as you normally would ...

var ajax_this = 'templates/contact-email.php?nameis=' + artist;

In this case, it looks like you intend to use it in a GET request so you may want to be certain you url encode the variable value before concatenating it to the rest of your string.

[JAB Creations]

In Firefox I get this error...

Error: law is not defined
Source file: javascript: contact_artist(law);

Using...

var ajax_this = 'templates/contact-email.php?nameis=' + artist;
ajaxpage(ajax_this, 'promptsajax');

I think ajaxpage(ajax_this might be triggering this? The parameter artist is equal to 'law' in my example function, so?

- John

[coopster]

I assume that means that the

law

variable is not defined before you are attempting to use it.

[JAB Creations]

function contact_artist(artist) {

'law' is defined as a(n artist)parameter, I guess this does not make it a string?

- John

[coopster]

I mean prior to the function construct/definition. The variable is likely not defined prior to passing it to the function. For example ...

var someVar = false; 
function contact_artist(artist) { 
 // function stuff here 
} 
contact_artist(law); // <-- law has not yet been defined ... error!

[JAB Creations]

Quotes!

javascript: contact_artist('law');

It works now. :)

What is the difference if there are or aren't quotes used?

- John

[coopster]

The addition of quotes make it a literal string. Without the quotes, it is assumed to be a variable, constant or at least something other than a literal string:

law is not defined

[JAB Creations]

I'm so going to write a book one day, thanks!

- John