php - Update Mysql value from an <a href> link uncaught referenceError -

i new php , mysql , having problems understanding why specific function update value within databse isnt working.

i want able change "0" int "1" when user clicks link. (i using value 0 / 1 track if user account active or not).

the link in question reads:

<?php      $user = query("select * users id = ?", $_session["id"]);      //check see if user active or not     if ($user [0]['active'] == 0)     {     printf("your account not active ");     printf('<a href="#" onclick="activate();">click me</a>');     printf(" reactivate");     }     //assuming have logged in want make active  ?> 

when click link console reports:

uncaught referenceerror: activate not defined 

i have defined activate in separate functions.php file being loaded , has correct permissions. (i sure being loaded code above when define activate manually in code above error telling me cannot define 2 functions same name).

the functions.php section reads:

function activate()     {     require("../templates/activate_user.php");     exit;     } 

finally, activate_user.php reads:

<?php     // configuration         require("../includes/config.php");       query("update users set active = 1 id = ?", $_session["id"]);     return false;  ?> 

i have searched , searched on how fix error, have not been able fix issue. guessing might related scope of activate, not sure right path.

any received, first venture php/mysql points welcome.

thanks;

andy

the onclick="activate();" javascript code. rest of code written in php. both won't work way.