How to implement forms in Grav?

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How to implement forms in Grav?

Friday, 14 March 2025

GRAV

Grav, a flat-file CMS, doesn't have built-in form handling like some other systems. This means you need to use a combination of Grav's templating engine (Twig), HTML forms, and a backend solution (like a server-side scripting language or a third-party service) to process form submissions. This guide outlines several approaches.

Method 1: Using a Server-Side Scripting Language (PHP, etc.)

This is the most common and robust method. You'll create an HTML form in your Grav template, and submit it to a separate PHP script (or similar) that handles the data processing and storage. This requires basic knowledge of the chosen server-side language and some server configuration.

1. Create the Form (in your Twig template):

html+twig

This example creates a simple form. Replace /process-form.php with the actual path to your form processing script.

2. Create the Processing Script (`process-form.php`):

php
<?php
//Sanitize the input (Crucial for security!)
$name = filter_input(INPUT_POST, 'name', FILTER_SANITIZE_STRING);
$email = filter_input(INPUT_POST, 'email', FILTER_SANITIZE_EMAIL);
$message = filter_input(INPUT_POST, 'message', FILTER_SANITIZE_STRING);

//Validate the input (Optional but recommended)
if(empty($name) || empty($email) || empty($message)){
echo "Please fill all fields.";
exit;
}

//Handle form data (e.g., save to a database, send an email)
//Example: Sending an email (requires PHP mail functions enabled)
$to = "[email protected]";
$subject = "New form submission";
$body = "Name: " . $name . "\nEmail: " . $email . "\nMessage: " . $message;
mail($to, $subject, $body);

echo "Thank you for your submission!";
?>

This PHP script sanitizes, validates, and processes the submitted data. Replace [email protected] with your email address. *Always sanitize and validate user inputs to prevent security vulnerabilities (e.g., cross-site scripting - XSS).* For persistent storage, integrate this with a database.

3. Place the form and script:

Place the twig template file in your theme's templates directory, and place process-form.php in a location accessible to your webserver (usually inside a subdirectory within your Grav's root directory). Adjust the path in your form's action attribute accordingly.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party Form Service (e.g., Formspree, Google Forms, Typeform)

These services handle the backend processing for you. They often provide easy embedding options and various features.

1. Choose a Service:

Select a service that meets your needs. Formspree is popular for simple forms; Google Forms and Typeform offer more advanced features.

2. Create the Form (on the chosen service's website):

Follow the service's instructions to design and configure your form.

3. Embed the Form in Your Grav Template:

Copy the provided embed code (usually an iFrame or Javascript snippet) from your service and paste it into your Grav template.

Method 3: Using AJAX and a Backend Script (More Advanced)

This method enhances the user experience by avoiding page reloads. The form data is submitted via AJAX to your PHP (or similar) script. You'll need to be familiar with Javascript and AJAX techniques.

1. Create the Form (Twig Template):

html+twig

2. Create the AJAX Processing Script (process-form-ajax.php):

This is essentially the same as Method 1's process-form.php. However, it handles receiving data in a way appropriate for an AJAX response and usually returns a JSON or textual response.

Security Considerations

*Input Sanitization:* Always sanitize and validate all user inputs to prevent XSS attacks, SQL injection, and other vulnerabilities. Use built-in PHP functions (like filter_input) or libraries specifically designed for input validation.
*HTTPS:* Ensure your site uses HTTPS to encrypt data transmission.
*Regular Security Audits:* Conduct regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

This comprehensive guide provides various methods for implementing forms in Grav, tailored for different skill levels and needs. Remember to prioritize security best practices. Choose the method that best suits your technical skills and project requirements. Remember to adapt the paths to your actual file locations within your Grav installation.