I understand how to use the basic include function in a .php page so that repetitive content (like a menu) can be coded in a separate file and then dynamically included in multiple pages. But I don't get how to use it so that a URL in a page can be clicked to load content into the original page with the hyperlink.

For example a page with a special offer that requires a disclaimer would use the following to link to a separate page:
I'm hoping to load that disclaimer right into the original page if someone wants to read it when they click on the link.

How can that be done with the PHP include function?

And can PHP be used in a .shtml page?

Thanks.

look at this: www.banditssoftball.org/show.php
oh yeah, from what i know, php can be used in any type of file as long as the server is set up for it.

Actually, kkeith29 example doesn't load new content in the original page; it just reloads the page with a parameter passed through the $_GET variable, and shows some text as a response of that parameter.
Since php is a server side script, which means it is processed on the server and only the result of the process is sent to the client (browser), in order to process any piece of php code (like an 'include' request), that piece of code must be passed through the server; you cannot execute php code inside the user browser; for that, you need to use a client side script (like javascript).
A simple approach to what you want is to insert in your page, from the beginning, in a hiddend block (div, p etc.), the piece of text that you want to show on click, and make a javascript that simply shows that block of text when you click the link.

If the block of text (or whatever it is) must be the result of a php script, than the only way you can insert that on the page on client side (without reloading the page) is through AJAX, which is, simply put, javascript communicating with the server (the php page in your case) without the page reload.

sorry, i'm not stupid. I know how php works, and yes it does load new content into the original page. the text wasn't there before was it. By saying he wanted it in the original page, i think he means that he wanted the text to show up without have to go to a different page to view the content. If he means that it should show up without the page reloading then he should be more specific. Anyways, think if javascript is disabled. Neither javascript or AJAX would work, then your screwed. if you use my way, it always works.

Hey, kkeith29, don't take it so personally; I didn't meant you were stupid; I wasn't even replying to you, but to Syakoban; your solution is very good if you want to reload the page; I just understood something else from Syakoban post (to be more clear, I understood he wanted to load some content in the page without reloading the page) and I pointed out to him the differences so he can learn an choose what best suits him (or her ).
I am sorry if my post offended you. I asure you that wasn't my intention. Ok?

That's right! I've used another script that works this way w/cookies that based on number of visits to the home page, pulls in different content while still staying at the "home page". I am looking for that effect - reloading is not an issue.

I just started to try your sample code and am not getting it to work on the server yet. I took both pages you created as is (show.php and stuff.html) and simply wanted to get it working before making any changes. I uploaded in ASCII. I gave the original page a .php extension, but does the script need to be enclosed in <?PHP ?> tags? Can it be anywhere in the page? When I click the link I get no change except to the URL.

Mine is at http://ehydrant.com/show.php

Thanks.

OK I tried the <?PHP ?> tags around the code and it works on my server now. I'm guessing some servers are stricter than others???

Also how do I get the

echo '< ' . 'a href="show.php?show=disclaimer">click here to view disclaimer<' . '/a>';

to appear as just: click here to view disclaimer

Thanks.

is this what you are looking for?
http://www.banditssoftball.org/show.php

if so let me know and i'll post the code. otherwise tell me whats wrong and i'll fix it.

Almost...

Instead of the links moving around I was hoping that the original link would change to close disclaimer in the same location. That way the disclaimer can load below the link and not affect the layout of it like:

BEFORE

header
view warning
view disclaimer
footer

AFTER

header
view warning
close disclaimer
blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah
footer

OR

header
close warning
blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah
view disclaimer
footer

It kinda evolved after seeing your example in action... I tried to play with your code but I don't have the skills.

Thanks again, I appreciate the help!

like this: http://www.banditssoftball.org/show.php