Using string offset from variable Error

Question

I've been getting error from accessing array with string offsets. The array looks something like this:

$array = array(
                    "first" => array("one","two","three"),
                    "second" => array("blabla"),
                    "third" => array("something","else"),
                    "fourth" => array("next","nextnext","nextnextnext")
    );

I'm trying to get one of the inside arrays depending on string I have and I use that string as offset, like this:

$curArray = $array[$this->string];

But everytime I run the script I get an error on that line. Can you please tell me why? The error I get is "Illegal offset type". Thanks

To call the third array for example you should use something like this $curArray = $array["third"]; — HamZa
– HamZa, Commented Jan 29, 2013 at 19:41
well, the code is a part of function of a class, so $this->string reffers to value of $string property of the object — Michal Artazov
– Michal Artazov, Commented Jan 29, 2013 at 19:42
it contains in all cases something like this object(SimpleXMLElement)#7 (1) { [0]=> string(3) "second" } — Michal Artazov
– Michal Artazov, Commented Jan 29, 2013 at 19:50

Jim · Accepted Answer · 2013-01-29 20:03:59Z

1

It is very likely that $this->string isn't what you think it is. This error is caused by a non string or number being used as an array key.

if you do var_dump($this->string); You should be able to see what the value actually is.

Edit: A SimpleXMLElement is an object and therefore can't be used as an array key. You can cast it to a string like so:

$key = (string)$this->string;
$curArray = $array[$key];

edited Jan 29, 2013 at 20:03

answered Jan 29, 2013 at 19:41

Jim

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Ryan · Accepted Answer · 2013-01-29 19:41:09Z

0

The value of $this->string is not recognized as an actual string value.

You may want to run a print_r ( $this->string ) to get a better idea of what it contains.

See: http://php.net/manual/en/language.types.array.php

You can use the is_string(..) function to figure out of $this->string is valid, and perhaps check with array_key_exists () if your lookup is valid.

answered Jan 29, 2013 at 19:41

Ryan

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