PHP cookies are great tools, when used properly (and implemented properly). In a recent WordPress project, I created a semi-basic Poll form. Because WP uses actions, I was able to detect that my form ran, and updated my Poll Results in the database. In the SAME page load, however, you cannot check your $_COOKIE node for your cookie. PHP Globals are not altered (besides $_SESSION) except for when the page first loads. This means your $_COOKIE value will not be set until you refresh, or go to another page. So I explored the Googlesphere for a fair chunk of time, and discovered the best practice for setting/checking PHP cookies within the same page load (no redirect).
The practice to check for your value is quite simple – when you set your cookie, set it to a global variable as well. That way you do not have to force a refresh/redirect to get your $_COOKIE value.
Setting the Cookie:
setcookie( 'my_cookie_name', $my_cookie_value, time() + 60*60*24*30, '/' );
$my_cookie = $my_cookie_value;
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or
$my_cookie = $my_cookie_value;
setcookie( 'my_cookie_name', $my_cookie, time() + 60*60*24*30, '/' );
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or (if you are just storing true/false)
$my_cookie = setcookie( 'my_cookie_name', true, time() + 60*60*24*30, '/' );
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Checking for your cookie later in the page
if( isset( $my_cookie ) || isset( $_COOKIE['my_cookie_name'] ) ) {
// do stuff
}
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There you have it, the best practice for setting/checking PHP Cookies. If anyone has other methods/practices, please comment!