How to ignore a file input on a PHP form?

Question

I have a PHP form with an optional file input. If no file is chosen, and I do print_r($_FILES) after submission, I get this:

Array ( [the_file] => Array ( [name] => [type] => [tmp_name] => [error] => 4 [size] => 0 ) )

On forms with no file input, the $_FILES array is just empty, which is what I would prefer to happen if the optional file attachment input isn't used. After all, the "errors" here are really not errors - the user didn't intend to submit a file.

Is there a way to prevent a blank file input from being submitted, apart from reworking the form to use AJAX?

What problem are you trying to solve? If the user didn't choose a file, why not just ignore $_FILES entirely? — Jordan Running
– Jordan Running, Commented Jan 27, 2010 at 15:18

Dominic Rodger · Accepted Answer · 2010-01-27 15:17:27Z

4

Error condition 4 corresponds to UPLOAD_ERR_NO_FILE, which means no file was uploaded. Can't you just check for that, and if so, ignore the data in $_FILES?

answered Jan 27, 2010 at 15:17

Dominic Rodger

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1 Comment

Nathan Long Over a year ago

Ah - I thought that meant 4 errors. :) I wonder why they don't put the actual error message there instead of a code?

user213154 · Accepted Answer · 2010-01-27 15:17:55Z

You could use a client script to remove the file input from the form on submit if it is unused.

Ahsan · Accepted Answer · 2010-01-27 16:07:45Z

Use a simple javascript on the main Uploading form , or use php check function for file sent by user!!

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