process.php vs. the API
Form Management
process.php vs. the API: Ultimate Smackdown
As mentioned earlier, you can submit your form content to Form Tools by either of two methods:
- Point your form to the process.php file, found in your root Form Tools folder.
- Use the Form Tools API, found in [form tools root]/global/api/api.php to submit the form contents via PHP functions
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. The following table outlines some of the key differences to help you determine which method is better for you.
| Requirement | process.php | API |
|---|---|---|
| Level of difficulty | Simple | Hard |
| Requires PHP knowledge | x | |
| Submit form for storage | x | x |
| Accepts form submissions sent from other websites than the one where Form Tools is installed | x | |
| Submit form in sections (e.g. page by page) | x | |
| Upload files through form | x | x |
| Client-side validation (JavaScript) | x | x |
| server-side validation (PHP) | x | |
| CATPCHAs | x | x |
| Compatible with third-party payment gateways like PayPal | x |
As the table notes: using the API requires a least some PHP knowledge - and a little can go a long way. Plus if you get stuck, you can always visit our forums to seek help.