Why won't my mysql_query PHP command work!

I am trying to check whether or not a new user's username exists in my database. So I typed the code that follows, but for some reason the mysql_query command outputs something like "resource ID # 3" and mysql_num_rows won't accept it. How do I fix this?

My database setup looks like this "USERNAMEDB" --> "USERNAMES" --> "NAME"


//check used username ($varname == name from field)
$loginnametest = $varname;

mysql_select_db("USERNAMEDB");
$loginresult = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM USERNAMES WHERE NAME = '$loginnametest';");
$numrows = mysql_num_rows($loginresult);
//failed username query
if($numrows >= 1)
{
$usernametaken = "Sorry but the username is already taken.";
}
else
{
//continue
}

Thanks in advance!

If you guys need anymore info please tell me.

~Imozeb

 

Make sure:

1. You've connected to your database sucessfully.

2. $varname exists.

3. Sanitize all data (namely user submitted), when parsing to db.

4. You have a semi-colon at the end of your mysql_query, remove it.

Use the following code and report back if any errors appear:

<?php
error_reporting(E_ALL);

  $loginnametest = mysql_real_escape_string($varname);
  $loginresult = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM USERNAMES WHERE NAME = $loginnametest") or die(mysql_error());
  $numrows = mysql_num_rows($loginresult) or die(mysql_error());
  //failed username query..
  if ($numrows >= 1) {
      echo "Sorry but the username is already taken.";
  } else {
  //passed check..
      echo "Username does'nt exist";
  }
?>

PHP:

 

From a quick look i noticed you have a ;

$loginresult = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM USERNAMES WHERE NAME = '$loginnametest';");

Which isn't necessary, try removing it then see if the script works.

 

1. You've connected to your database sucessfully. (Not sure)

2. $varname exists. (Success)

3. Sanitize all data (namely user submitted), when parsing to db. (Success, already had done that to $varname)

4. You have a semi-colon at the end of your mysql_query, remove it. (OMG how'd that get in there? )

Here are the errors reported:

Unknown column 'testname' in 'where clause'

So....... what now?

 

Are you sure the column exists??....

Try this: (although I don't think I've changed any functionality).

<?php
error_reporting(E_ALL);

  $loginnametest = mysql_real_escape_string($varname);
  $loginresult = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM `USERNAMES` WHERE `NAME` = $loginnametest") or die(mysql_error());
  $numrows = mysql_num_rows($loginresult) or die(mysql_error());
  //failed username query..
  if ($numrows >= 1) {
      echo "Sorry but the username is already taken.";
  } else {
  //passed check..
      echo "Username does'nt exist";
  }
?>

PHP:

 

I am sure the column exists. How can I be sure I connect to the database.

 

Change this line

$loginresult = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM `USERNAMES` WHERE `NAME` = $loginnametest")

to

$loginresult = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM `USERNAMES` WHERE `NAME` = '".$loginnametest."'")