Re: pdf and tables

At 01:09 PM 3/2/02 -0500, ClassAct wrote:
>Hello everyone,
>
>I have two questions where I need your advice.
>
>Is it possible to have a visitor fill out a pdf file/form online and sent 
>back to me?  Example: Say a student goes to my site to take X exam which 
>is in a pdf format. He/she fills it out in real time and sends it back to me.

1)  User goes to site.
2)  User downloads PDF form from site.
3) User complete PDF form.
4) User uploads form back to you.

Real-time?  I think not.  A PDF form is not a dynamic document in the sense 
of a web page form.  In order to complete a PDF form, the form must exist 
in its entirety before you can fill in the blanks.  You can use real-time 
data to generate a PDF form on the fly, but one still requires the actual 
PDF form in its entirety before you can modify it (fill in the blanks), 
save it and have it transmitted back to you.

You are better off creating a web page form for the student to complete and 
submit.  Upon submission, the database generates a complete PDF for the 
student to download for their records while the student answer go into the 
database.

>The same questions apply to a table. Can it be filled out, generating each 
>item dynamically, and sent without the need of forms? Example: say a 
>student wants to book a schedule for an exam and requests a particular 
>date/time and instructor. The student first inputs the date, the table 
>calls the database and regenerates dynamically with the times available 
>for that day. Then, he/she chooses the time, causing the table to 
>regenerate again, and comes back showing the instructor available for that 
>time slot. After the process is finished, the student sends the table to 
>me with a confirmation to him/her. I know tables can be sorted dynamically 
>but I am not sure they can be filled out without the aid of a form.

Pay attention to the words you use in describing the situation.  I believe 
I understand what you mean, however, use of the words "table" and "form" 
are not interchangeable.  :)

As I understand your query, requesting data online requires the use of a 
web page form, and its underlying CGI and database to make it work.   Data 
and page layouts may or may not be in a table. A web page form may or may 
not need its elements displayed in a table.

1)  Student goes to a web page form and fills it out.
2)  Student submits form, querying the database.
3)  Database generates new dynamic form with requested information.
4)  Student selects specific date/time on form.
5)  Student submits form, querying the database.
6)  Database generates new form with selected date/time.
7)  Student reviews date/time and either requests new date/time or confirms 
date/time.
8)  If student requests new query, go back to step 3.
9)  If student confirms selected date/time, database generates final 
confirmation page and sends confirming email to instructor.


>That I recall, I have not come across any of these situations.
>
>Any suggestions?

The point is, you need to flowchart the steps needed.  Then look at the 
*possible* technical ways to effect the result, with emphasis on the KISS 
Principle.  IMHO, the scenarios you propose seem more concerned with 
baffling techo-crap than just finding simple, elegant solutions to very 
simple problems.  While you may have a preference for wanting to do it the 
way you describe it (or your client has made the suggestions), the ultimate 
design, construction and implementation should be with the user in mind.  I 
don't see that in your proposal.

Kukla


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