Using Same Variable in Multiple PHP `while` Loops

Question

I have a PHP page with multiple mysql_query instances. Almost every one uses a while loop to retrieve multiple rows of data.

As I keep a snippet of this often used code, and the example I was taught with, used the variable $row, I have multiple instances of the following on my page:

while ($row = mysql_fetch_assoc($foo_data)) { 
    $barArray[] = $row['barValue']; 
}

I even have an instance of $row = mysql_fetch_assoc($foo_data) without a while loop.

I'm wondering if the multiple uses of $row as a variable on a single page, is all right?

The PHP is functioning fine, but I always want to be sure that my code is proper and conforms to standard rules.

Thank you.

Your Common Sense · Accepted Answer · 2011-09-19 19:18:03Z

3

yes, it's all right.
it's all right to use the same spoon when you're eating soup.

answered Sep 19, 2011 at 19:18

Your Common Sense

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1 Comment

Hammerite Over a year ago

But remember to lick all the soup off first.

Naftali · Accepted Answer · 2011-09-19 19:17:54Z

2

Yes that is fine. but if you try:

var_dump($row);

at the end of your code -- it will only return that last value of $row

answered Sep 19, 2011 at 19:17

Naftali

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3 Comments

stefmikhail Over a year ago

So what you're saying is, if I use $row, and it has been used before, then if overwrites its previous value(s) with a new one. And that this is ok because the value that is being overwritten, has already been used in whatever operation was contained within the previous while loop, etc. Does that sound about right? Maybe not eloquent...

Naftali Over a year ago

the previous while loop is over. PHP runs in order.

stefmikhail Over a year ago

Exactly. Wonderful. And much appreciated!

Alex · Accepted Answer · 2011-09-19 19:17:56Z

2

Yup, not a problem at all.

Just like always using $i as your count in a for loop, you can repeatedly use $row to no ill effect.

answered Sep 19, 2011 at 19:17

Alex

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