How to randomize image array with PHP

Question

I am after a little help here. I need to randomize an image array's order.

For example, if I have 3 images, I need them to reload each time in a different order.

Also, this is the instructions given to me on how to implement the code:

If this is PHP code, use a return statement to send your output to the block. For example:
$my_output = 'Hello, world.';
return $my_output;

My current code is HTML, and goes like this:

<div class="ad">

<a href="http://www.linkedsite.com/" target="_blank"><img src="myimagesdirectpath/img.png"      alt="linkedsitename" /></a>

<br />
<a href="http://www.linkedsite.com/" target="_blank"><img src="myimagesdirectpath/img.png" alt="linkedsitename" /></a>

<br />
<a href="http://www.linkedsite.com/" target="_blank"><img src="myimagesdirectpath/img.png"      alt="linkedsitename" /></a>

</div>

What I need to do is somehow turn my HTML code into a PHP code that allows the images order to be randomized, while maintaining the original instructions to "Use an output statement" to send my code to the sidebar.

Thanks! and I wish I knew more

Is this homework? If so, please add homework to the tag list. — Jared Farrish
– Jared Farrish, Commented Feb 19, 2012 at 20:26
It sounds like you should start with the PHP tutorial, and work from there. — Oliver Charlesworth
– Oliver Charlesworth, Commented Feb 19, 2012 at 20:26
put "array random" in the php manual search box and that would be a good start. — user557846
– user557846, Commented Feb 19, 2012 at 20:31

satoshi · Accepted Answer · 2012-02-20 01:13:31Z

4

If you really need a solution before really understanding the PHP basics, here it is:

<?php
$images =   array(
            '<a href="http://www.linkedsite.com/" target="_blank"><img src="myimagesdirectpath/img.png" alt="linkedsitename" /></a>',
            '<a href="http://www.linkedsite.com/" target="_blank"><img src="myimagesdirectpath/img.png" alt="linkedsitename" /></a>',
            '<a href="http://www.linkedsite.com/" target="_blank"><img src="myimagesdirectpath/img.png" alt="linkedsitename" /></a>'
        );

shuffle($images); // Randomize images array
return '<div class="ad">'.implode('<br />', $images).'</div>';
?>

But to be honest the suggestion is always to read some PHP tutorial like this.

edited Feb 20, 2012 at 1:13

answered Feb 19, 2012 at 20:31

satoshi

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9 Comments

satoshi Over a year ago

Well, thanks. But as I said I suggest reading a tutorial before starting any PHP. Having a solution is always a good point to start understanding something.

Neysor Over a year ago

+1 because it do not support -1 if someone comes with the right solution. It doesn't matter if this is a homework or not!

Logan Over a year ago

Thank you Satoshi! How do I use a return statement with this code? I will also check out some PHP tutorials.

Logan Over a year ago

So this is what I tried to allow the return code. I believe I do not need to wrap the code in <?php ?> since the sidebar does it for you when you select the php option for it.

Logan Over a year ago

$output = echo implode('<br />', $images); return $output;

|

Alexander Varwijk · Accepted Answer · 2012-02-19 20:52:25Z

0

After finding a nice introductory course to PHP (Google "php tutorial -w3schools" for a good tutorial on PHP).

Take a look at http://www.php.net/manual/en/function.shuffle.php

Google can tell you how to put your values in an array and neatly output that array using a foreach loop.

edited Feb 19, 2012 at 20:52

answered Feb 19, 2012 at 20:32

Alexander Varwijk

2,08218 silver badges21 bronze badges

4 Comments

Alexander Varwijk Over a year ago

Sorry : ( It's where I've taught myself HTML/PHP/JS and the likes back in the days and I've turned out fine. (I don't mind reading 20 page long design theory/paradigm articles though) What would be a good alternative to point new people to?

user557846 Over a year ago

Sorry, but if you follow that sites example your code will be a lot less than "fine"

Alexander Varwijk Over a year ago

That sites examples have long since been replaced by my own. Nevertheless your link has proven very helpful in removing w3schools from my search results so I can more easily find php.net's entries. (I don't see why W3schools is above that, annoying as hell).

Logan Over a year ago

Thanks guys. No, this is not homework. Its for my site, I just don't know much about PHP, well any really. I will check out some links and learn some more.

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