Why are loops using mysql_fetch_array affected by a previous mysql_fetch_array?

Question

I performed a query and captured the results in a variable called $raw_results;

I then have the following:

$record_set = mysql_fetch_array($raw_results);

echo "<pre>";
print_r($record_set);
echo "</pre>";

echo "<hr />";

And right below it, I have:

while ($record_set = mysql_fetch_array($raw_results))
{
echo "<pre>";
print_r($record_set);
echo "</pre>";
}

I'm surprised (and confused) that the while loop starts at record #2 in the array instead of record #1.

If I remove the block above the loop, then the loop displays record #1 as I originally expected.

Why is the loop being affected by the block above it?

Thanks in advance for taking the time. Cheers.

Michael Berkowski · Accepted Answer · 2011-12-30 20:36:26Z

2

Each call to mysql_fetch_array() advances the record pointer in the result resource $raw_results. So the initial call has already advanced it to the second record. The next call, whether in a loop or singly, will retrieve the next (second) row.

To rewind it back to the first record, you can use mysql_data_seek():

mysql_data_seek($raw_results, 0);

answered Dec 30, 2011 at 20:36

Michael Berkowski

271k47 gold badges450 silver badges395 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

Runar Jørgensen · Accepted Answer · 2011-12-30 20:36:51Z

0

This happens because the first time you use mysql_fetch_array it returns the first row and moves the pointer to the next row.

answered Dec 30, 2011 at 20:36

Runar Jørgensen

5443 silver badges13 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Why are loops using mysql_fetch_array affected by a previous mysql_fetch_array?

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related