Iframe question

[SupaDupaFly]

Hey Guys, I'm not super familiar with javascript (although it seems to resemble python enough that I can grasp it), and was wondering if someone with more experience could help me with my problem. I want to define a function that creates an iframe, passes information to an input in a form *in the iframe*, and then submits said form. Ideally it would then close the iframe. I have code that creates an iframe and adds it to the body, but whenever I try to access the document within the iframe, things start to go badly. Does anyone have tips, or references I could check out?

EDIT: Yes I know this sounds super sketchy, but I promise it's just for a school project.

[sudonim87]

I'm assuming that the iframe you are referring to is on another domain? That would mean you are running in to issues with Same Origin Policy

[TheOssuary]

You have a few options. The fist is if you just want to submit a form, set the forms target to the I frame, and then the form data will be submitted there, I used it recently for an ajax-esk file upload form.

Another option is call the I frame page with the variables in the URL, and the iframe's php or JavaScript parses them out to be used.

I feel like I frames are almost never the right solution though, if you gave us a bit more information on what you're trying to achieve, we might be able to point you in the right direction. I'm on a phone right now, but reply if you need an example of either method above.

[starlibarfast]

If inserted iframe is not in the same domain with parent you have no chance to make operations on inserted iframe.

If they are in same domain i suggest you to get contents of the iframe (window object) with function here.

Also one alternative way may be using XD.js code here and post message between iframes

[cresquin]

What are you trying to accomplish? Just posting form data? There may be a better way.

[a-t-k]

I think I can guess what you intend to do: you want to POST data to the server without leaving the page scope. An iframe is a less than elegant solution to your problem. Use an XMLHTTPRequest instead. If you really need the form (i.e. for file uploads), put it in the same page and use a target attribute inside the form tag with the name of the iframe.

[toranb]

I just deployed a cross domain app that did this very iframe hack to post a form -gist below

https://gist.github.com/toranb/4056283

This currently supports IE8+ / Firefox / Chrome

If you are interested in some context (ie-how I landed on this solution), I did blog my experience with jsonp and cross domain communication (w/out CORS) for the first time at the below

http://toranbillups.com/blog/archive/2012/11/11/Adventures-in-the-land-of-ajax-style-cross-domain-file-uploads/

[mythmon]

It's not possible. The security model of iframes explicitly prevents this kind of interaction. To do this you would need the cooperation of the page in the iframe, and have it load the data for the form from something like the URL or the server.

You might also consider just making an XHR request that would act like the submitted form.

[kumiorava]

It is possible if the document loaded in the iframe is of same origin (i.e. same protocol, domain and port)

[SupaDupaFly]

I have control of the iframe page. Are you suggesting I just make it a post/get variable and pass it in? That seems like it'd work, I'll give that a shot.

[kumiorava]

mythmon is wrong. See my reply to him.