Store PHP Array in Mysql Database

Question

What is the best way to store/retrieve an array in a Mysql database? Is serializing the data the best way?

I am looking for neat, nice way to do this.

If you're looking, use the search. As you can imagine, you're not the first one who asks this. — hakre
– hakre, Commented Aug 13, 2013 at 7:19
What do you want to do with the array once it's in the database? The answer may depend on if you want to look up records based on values in the array or manipulate the array in SQL. — Joni
– Joni, Commented Aug 13, 2013 at 7:21
Just note that there is no "mysqli database". It is called "mysql" — Your Common Sense
– Your Common Sense, Commented Aug 13, 2013 at 7:22
I have to add you really need to search around a bit. There are many suggestions given and the best suggestion I can give is that you read a bit because there are pros and cons and you would need to decide what is best working for you. Part of the topic is whether to normalize or serialize. It depends on what you need (e.g. searching inside the array is not possible when you use PHP serialize). — hakre
– hakre, Commented Aug 13, 2013 at 7:23

Your Common Sense · Accepted Answer · 2013-08-13 07:25:00Z

4

Serializing is actually a worst way ever.

It is like if you cut a door from your expensive car, and use it as a sleigh, only because being too lazy to get some gas. Mysql is an expensive car and it have to be used properly, and solution have to be not a quick and dirty one but out of reason and knowledge.

The solution depends on the nature of the data in this array and most likely will involve a separate table (as tables in mysql being pretty much arrays themselves)

answered Aug 13, 2013 at 7:25

Your Common Sense

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2 Comments

LeBlaireau Over a year ago

yes this was my suspicion but not having done much of this since php v4, serialize was the default way to do this.

shanehoban Over a year ago

Great answer, opened my eyes on my problem. I was going to store a list of variables in an array as a single string; and parse the array in PHP. But your saying its better to create a new table and create individual entries and link them to their super?

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