PHP multidimensional array elements being skipped

Question

I have set up a multidimensional array in PHP like this:

$contents = array(
    "Header1" => array(
         "Section 1" => array (
               "Description1",
               "Notes1",
         ),
         "Gap" => "Gap",
         "Section 2" => array (
               "Description2",
               "Notes2",
         ),
         "Gap" => "Gap",
         "Section 3" => array (
               "Description3",
               "Notes3",
         ),
    ),
);

then I loop through this array as follows:

foreach ($contents as $header => $section) {
      foreach ($section as $title => $details) {
            echo $title."<br>";
      }
}

The output will be:

Section1
Gap
Section2
Section3

Why isn't the second "Gap" showing?

Thanx

That's why: codepad.org/zvuYLP6P.

Felix Kling
– Felix Kling

2013-02-20 20:54:24 +00:00
Commented Feb 20, 2013 at 20:54 — Felix Kling
– Felix Kling, Commented Feb 20, 2013 at 20:54

Colin M · Accepted Answer · 2013-02-20 20:53:24Z

5

Because you can't have duplicate array keys. The second one overwrites the first.

Use Gap2 or something for your next array key. Or, better yet, nest it:

array(
    'Gap' => array(
        'Gap1',
        'Gap2'
    )
);

answered Feb 20, 2013 at 20:53

Colin M

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4 Comments

user1646111 Over a year ago

The first one overwrites the second one :)

Colin M Over a year ago

@Akam Hash-maps (also known as associative arrays in PHP) don't guarantee order. See this phpfiddle.org/main/code/k04-p2i. The second value takes precedence, whether or not it shows up in the place of the first. Curious why you posted a code sample after I clearly posted one that indicated you weren't going to win this ;).

user1646111 Over a year ago

we are not competitor to win or loss. it's a matter to learn, correct and incorrect :)

Pierto Over a year ago

Ok thanks, this is indeed a very stupid mistake :). Well, I won't make it again, that's what matters...

user1454661 · Accepted Answer · 2013-02-20 20:54:13Z

3

You cannot have two values in your array bind to the same key. A common method is to put your multiple values inside another sub-array, but while using the same key. It adds complexity to your code though. Careful.

answered Feb 20, 2013 at 20:54

user1454661

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