Create a form to write to CSV?

[jupitergardens]

I would love to create a form that will write directly to a CSV file (or a SQL database table that I can export to CSV). I didn't see any add-ons for that.

Is that something I can do within zen cart?

Thanks!

[schoolboy]

There is an extremely easy, wysiwyg program to create, manage and store web forms, and I use it on many ZC sites.

See an EXAMPLE

The program used is nothing to do with ZC, and stores the form submissions in its own database, and it also has the CSV export facility you need.

Designing and creating even the most complex of forms takes just a few minutes, and they are "embedded" in your ZC (I do it on ezpages) with a simple Iframe. (You can also use php - the code is generated for you by the program)

Machform by Appnitro - a really great piece of software.

[jupitergardens]

Thanks. I looked at Machform but was hoping for a free solution, or even a tutorial. There's a lovely program for joomla called Chronoforms that I like to use.

[DrByte]

Or you could write your own. Search the forum for "band_signup" for an example of a totally custom form built within ZC. The processing sends an email, but you could just as easily write its output to a file, or just plain save it into a custom table in your database.

[schoolboy]

Thanks. I looked at Machform but was hoping for a free solution, or even a tutorial. There's a lovely program for joomla called Chronoforms that I like to use.

I suppose it's a case of individual perspective, but this software is so cheap it's almost free. You would solve your problem in under 15 minutes.

Still, Dr Byte suggests another option, and while totally free, is likely to take you a few hours (or more).

As my time is worth money, I tend to go for options that are cost-effective.

[jupitergardens]

Or you could write your own. Search the forum for "band_signup" for an example of a totally custom form built within ZC. The processing sends an email, but you could just as easily write its output to a file, or just plain save it into a custom table in your database.

That's what I was wondering. I suppose, since I'm not expecting a lot of responses, I could just tweak the contact_us form and just have them emailed to me, too.

Thanks!

[jupitergardens]

As my time is worth money, I tend to go for options that are cost-effective.

Well, I'm not sure I'll need another form, and I may be moving platforms soon. It was more a "hey, is this possible?" sort of thing. :)

Thanks!

[schoolboy]

Well, I'm not sure I'll need another form, and I may be moving platforms soon. It was more a "hey, is this possible?" sort of thing. :)

Thanks!

Good point - and a valid one. The nice thing about machforms is that they are completely "platform-independent". If/when you change platforms, you just embed the simple link, and the same form will appear on your new site.

This has a few advantages, including the fact that if your form has already started collecting data (and storing it in its database) then changing your platform for other functions will not affect the machform data - it remains intact and accessible.

I don't intend to sound like a "salesman" for Appnitro - and indeed I make no endorsement of the product, nor do I have any commercial interest in that organisation.

Just that I have found it to be a really neat package that almost instantly solves all "challenges" I have faced with creating online forms that need to send email responses as well as collect the submission data, and generate Excel/csv exports.