How do I fix the selected item in a drop down box - php

Question

I have edit form where I get info from database
<select name="table">
<?php
//fetch all tables from database
$user = $con->query("SELECT * FROM table") or die(mysql_error());
while($row = $table->fetch_object()) { ?>
<option value="<?php echo $row->tablename;?>">
<?php echo $row->tablename; ?>
</option> <?php }?> </select>
<label for="time">Time :</label>
<select name="time">
<option value="twotothree">2PM-3PM</option>
<option value="threetofour">3PM-4PM</option>
<option value="fourtofive">4PM-5PM</option>
<option value="fivetosix">5PM-6PM</option>
</select>
The names of the tables from drop-down menu are different. Everytime I select a table and a time slot and save the data, the selection goes back to the first row of the menu. Eg I select table 3 and 4PM-5PM after saving it goes back to table 1 and 2PM-3PM. I need to be fixed on the last selection as I might use 4PM-5PM for table 4 also. Any idea? Thanks

Answer 1

You can add selected attribute when rendering your select list, depending on $_POST variable, when it's available. For example for you table select element:
<select name="table">
<?php
$user = $con->query("SELECT * FROM table") or die(mysql_error());
while($row = $table->fetch_object()) { ?>
<option value="<?php echo $row->tablename;?>" <?php if (isset($_POST['table']) && $_POST['table'] == $row->tablename) echo 'selected'; ?> >
<?php echo $row->tablename; ?>
</option>
<?php }?>
</select>
In similar way you can do for time select element.