How use array in text file text file (PHP)?

Question

I have a txt file that contains an array like this:

array (
  0 => 'jack',
  1 => 'alex'
)

I want to use this array in my PHP code but it is not working as on this example which returns a

$list=  file_get_contents(myfile.txt); 
echo $list[0];

How can I convert it ?

The array hasn't really been declared in myfile.txt. It's kinda' naked. — Jay Blanchard
– Jay Blanchard, Commented Oct 17, 2014 at 15:07

Alex · Accepted Answer · 2014-10-17 15:08:26Z

3

Rather have the array serialized or json_encoded, inside that file. Then, when reading it, just unserialize or json_decode in $list

Example:

$list = unserialize(file_get_contents(myfile.txt));

answered Oct 17, 2014 at 15:08

Alex

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4 Comments

user2511140 Over a year ago

with unserialize show this error Notice: unserialize() [function.unserialize]: Error at offset 0 of 40 bytes and with json_decode not show any thing

Alex Over a year ago

Make sure, the contents of myfile.txt is a serialized or json enconded array, otherwise, won't work

Jeroen de Jong Over a year ago

@user2511140, you can't just unserialize the current data in myfile.txt. You have to put a serialized array in myfile.txt. (User serialize on the array first, then put the output of that in myfile.txt)

user2511140 Over a year ago

Thanks @w0rldart. i use json_encode for write to file and use json_decode to for $list then problem solved. :)

exussum · Accepted Answer · 2014-10-17 15:31:00Z

0

To answer the quextion - eval looks like it will handle the array (Array has been output with var_export ?)

BUT exec'ing unknown code is a bad idea, W0rldart has the better ways to do it (json would be my preference)

edited Oct 17, 2014 at 15:31

answered Oct 17, 2014 at 15:11

exussum

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1 Comment

Jeroen de Jong Over a year ago

Don't you mean eval instead of exec?

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