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So I've been trying to figure out the method of posting form data from a textarea using jQuery's ajax() function to a mysql database. Problem is, I don't really understand the theory of doing so.

Say there's a form:

<form method="post" action="action.php">
  <textarea name="somecontent" rows="5" cols="30">Some content</textarea>
  <input type="submit" name="submit" value="Post to db using ajax" />
</form>

The form points to action.php which processes data, yadayada. In a theoretical sense, how could I manipulate jQuery ajax to post the data rather than directly submitting the form data to action.php?

Edit: I don't understand how to send the data with ajax.

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Define "directly submitting". – AsTheWormTurns Dec 1 '11 at 15:58
1  
You mean you want it to update in realtime while typing, or when the button is clicked? Or is there another reason you need Ajax for? – Nebojsac Dec 1 '11 at 16:02
What I mean to say is what would using ajax to send the data on submit look like and how does that work? That's where I'm lost. – Dilwin Dec 1 '11 at 16:17

1 Answer

up vote 1 down vote accepted

You need to catch the form submit event in javascript, prevent the default action (submitting...) and call your ajax / jQuery submit instead.

$("form").submit(function(){
  // do your stuff
  $.post(
    "action.php",
    // add all stuff, see their page
  );

  return false; // prevent the original form action from happening
});

See jQuery's $.post or $.ajax for more information.

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This I already know, I'm just not understanding how to use ajax to pass the data to the server. – Dilwin Dec 1 '11 at 16:24
1  
@Dilwin This is how I read your question, but I'll add a jQuery ajax reference... – jeroen Dec 1 '11 at 16:28
Thank you, I appreciate it :) – Dilwin Dec 1 '11 at 16:31

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