How to Upload Files and Text Data to PHP Using jQuery and AJAX

Learn how to seamlessly upload text and image files without reloading the page using jQuery and AJAX in PHP.
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How to Upload Files and Text Data to PHP Using jQuery and AJAX

Good morning, fellow developers! If you’re working on a web project where you want users to submit messages accompanied by images without the annoying page reload, then you’re in the right place. In this guide, we'll break down how to effectively upload a form's text data and file data to a PHP script using jQuery and AJAX, ensuring a smooth, fluid user experience.

The Issue

The challenge arises when you want to send both text (from a textarea) and an image (from a file input) without refreshing the page. The initial code that aims to do this looks promising but fails to handle image uploads properly.

Here’s what the existing code snippet looks like:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The newMessage() function collects the text and image file, but the setup lacks the necessary format to handle file uploads correctly.

The Solution

By updating your AJAX function to utilize FormData, we can successfully send both the text and image to the PHP script without reloading the page. Let’s dive into the revised code.

Step 1: Update Your JavaScript

Replace your newMessage() function with the following code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Explanation of Changes

Here’s a breakdown of the new function:

This prevents the default form submission behavior, allowing us to handle it via AJAX.

FormData Object
var formData = new FormData(this); takes the form object and prepares it for sending. It will automatically include all the input fields, including your textarea and file inputs.

jQuery AJAX Call

Type: We're using a POST request.

Data: The formData variable is used here, which includes both text and files.

Success Function: On success, we clear the messagetext textarea for user convenience.

Cache: Set to false to prevent caching.

ContentType and ProcessData: Both set to false allow the FormData to be sent as is without any jQuery processing.

Step 3: PHP Script Handling

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This code will now work for both text and file uploads effectively, allowing the user to send messages smoothly without experiencing any page refresh.

Conclusion

By implementing FormData and adjusting the AJAX call, you can enhance the functionality of your web forms significantly. Users will appreciate the seamless experience of submitting both text and images without page reloads.

So, give this a try in your next project, and let us know how it works for you! Happy coding!