How to use column names in PHP PDO without binding columns

Question

Is there a method to directly use the name of the column when outputting data without binding columns when using php pdo and mySql, instead of using $row[‘columnName’].

Eg: My current method

$sql = "select id, name, address, country from members where country = :country";
$stmt=$conn->prepare($sql);
$stmt->execute(array(':country' => $country));
while( $row = $stmt->fetch() ) { //I can forgo the while loop.
    echo $row[‘name’]; //Can I use $name here?
    echo $row[‘address’];
    echo $row[‘country’];
}

Instead of using $row[‘colName’], is it possible to somehow use $colName itself? I know ezSql does it this way, but I’m not using ezSql since it does not support prepared statements. How can this be done? Maybe using for each? Is it possible?

I know I can bind columns, but I'm trying to avoid that too. Keep code at a minimum.

Please don't delete your previous questions only to ask the same thing again — Phil
– Phil, Commented Oct 4, 2013 at 5:12
I just love magic fancy quotes, they're just Oh so fancy... and destructive. — Funk Forty Niner
– Funk Forty Niner, Commented Oct 4, 2013 at 5:23
Downvote because: 1. Access to array members has absolutely nothing to do with PDO. 2. The question itself is a mere whim. Keeping your data in array is cleaner and preferable. 3. It seems the OP have no idea on templates, which should be his first and foremost concern. — Your Common Sense
– Your Common Sense, Commented Oct 4, 2013 at 6:17
@YourCommonSense Fair enough, though I'm usually pro-education and against punishment.. — Ben
– Ben, Commented Oct 4, 2013 at 6:27

Community · Accepted Answer · 2017-05-23 12:13:05Z

3

If you really don't want to bind columns or use array references or object properties and don't mind polluting the current variable scope, try this ugly hack

while( $row = $stmt->fetch(PDO::FETCH_ASSOC) ) {
    extract($row);
    echo $name;
    // etc
}

As mentioned in my answer on your previous, duplicate question, PDOStatement::bindColumn would be preferable. I really don't know what you're trying to achieve by "keeping code to a minimum" other than prove yourself unprofessional.

edited May 23, 2017 at 12:13

CommunityBot

11 silver badge

answered Oct 4, 2013 at 5:13

Phil

166k25 gold badges265 silver badges269 bronze badges

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

1 Comment

Ben Over a year ago

No, I think it is. It both answers the question and clearly outlines why it's a bad idea. Great answer actually :)

Josh Crozier · Accepted Answer · 2013-10-04 05:15:03Z

0

You can use this code:

extract($row);

and then you have:

$name, $address, etc.

edited Oct 4, 2013 at 5:15

Josh Crozier

242k56 gold badges401 silver badges316 bronze badges

answered Oct 4, 2013 at 5:13

Sina R.

1,7782 gold badges19 silver badges38 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

How to use column names in PHP PDO without binding columns

2 Answers 2

1 Comment

Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

1 Comment

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related