Chapter 13. ExampleUser Registration

The second example in the booka user registration systemis one of the more common uses of PHP and MySQL. Most of the scripts developed here have been introduced and explained in previous chapters, although this chapter will place them all within the same context, using a consistent programming theory.

Users will be able to register, log in, log out, change their password, and reset their password (should it be forgotten). A feature added in this edition of the book will be the requirement that users activate their accountby clicking a link in an emailbefore they can log in. Once the user has logged in, sessions will be used to limit access to pages and track the user.

As in the preceding chapter, the focus here will be on the public side of things (never fear: Chapter 14, "ExampleE-Commerce," includes some administration). Of course, I'll include notes at the end of the chapter discussing what you might do to add administrative features. Along the way you'll also see recommendations as to how this application could easily be expanded or modified.