Using PHP variable as autocomplete source

Question

I've simplified the problem down as much as possible, I feel like this should work. The below script controls the autocomplete function and works as expected (if a user types 't', 'test' appears as a suggested input).

<script type="text/javascript">
$(function() {
    var availableClients = ['test'];
    $("#addClient").autocomplete({
        source: availableClients,
    });
});
</script>

However, if I set a PHP variable $test = "'test'" and replace 'test' in the original script with <?php echo $test; ?> the autocomplete script no longer works. Is there another way I can use a PHP variable as the autocomplete source or am I missing something?

EDIT: Here is the script with the PHP in it.

<script type="text/javascript">
$(function() {
    var availableClients = [<?php echo $test; ?>];
    $("#addClient").autocomplete({
        source: availableClients,
    });
});
</script>

And the only relevant PHP code is this.

$test = "'test'";

Nothing wrong with this, you probably need to show us more code. — jtheman
– jtheman, Commented Dec 1, 2012 at 22:38
Please include the full PHP code where you're trying to insert $test as well as the output it generates. — HellaMad
– HellaMad, Commented Dec 1, 2012 at 22:40

score 1 · Accepted Answer · 2012-12-01 23:42:49Z

1

The issue is probably that you aren't including the quotes when echoing the value of the variable. Try this:

var availableClients = ['<?php echo $test; ?>'];

As it turns out, the issue was actually that you were not defining $test before you were echoing it. This:

$test = "'test'";

needs to occur before this:

<script type="text/javascript">
$(function() {
    var availableClients = [<?php echo $test; ?>];
    $("#addClient").autocomplete({
        source: availableClients,
    });
});
</script>

edited Dec 1, 2012 at 23:42

answered Dec 1, 2012 at 22:45

user1726343

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9 Comments

h2ooooooo Over a year ago

Or of course <?=$test?> if you have short open tags enabled. Make sure that the js file ends with .php or is interpreted as a PHP file so it executes the PHP.

user1726343 Over a year ago

@h2ooooooo Yeah, but those are deprecated if I remember correctly.

h2ooooooo Over a year ago

(I can't @ you for some reason) According to my link:

This directive also affected the shorthand <?= before PHP 5.4.0, which is identical to <? echo. Use of this shortcut required short_open_tag to be on. Since PHP 5.4.0, <?= is always available.

- so it doesn't seem like it.

scrolls Over a year ago

Asad - hard to tell but the $test variable is 'test', the quotes are already there.

charlietfl Over a year ago

easy to look in source view in browser or in console and see what actually arrives at page

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