Possible to check fields against current records?

Back again! Hoping to get this final piece fixed, and have the form system running I got.

I've searched through over 40 pages of posts, and have yet to come up with how or if this is possible. So I'll lay it out what I need.

The form is complete, and is storing data properly. What I need to do is make sure that a duplicate entry isn't added. And I believe this is done in the PHP verification box?

I need it to check if there is a record that matched the FIRST_NAME and LAST_NAME fields, and if the APPROVED_BOX = TRUE. This sounds simple, but I haven't found anything that relates to this.

If the matching FIRST_NAME and LAST_NAME does have a "TRUE" APPROVED_BOX, then the form shouldn't submit, and if possible, tell them they cant submit another application.

I hope I was clear enough on this.😟 My skills in PHP are very light. Thank you in advance.

Hi libraguy78,

The code will be something like this:

<?php
$db =& JFactory::getDBO();
$first_name =& JRequest::getString('FIRST_NAME', '', 'post');
$last_name =& JRequest::getString('LAST_NAME', '', 'post');
$query = "
  SELECT COUNT(*) 
    FROM`#__some_table_name`
    WHERE `FIRST_NAME` = '$first_name' 
      &&  `LAST_NAME` = '$last_name' 
      &&  `APPROVED_BOX` = 'TRUE' 
";
$db->setQuery($query);
$count = $db->loadresult();
if ( $count > 0 ) {
  return "This name is already in use";
}
?> 

Not tested and will need debugging!
You'll need to check input and column names and put in the correct table name.

Bob