Convert a flat array into a nested multidimensional array with predefined keys at each level

Question

I have a small array that I was hoping to divide into a multidimensional array. I have goofed around with some foreach loops, counted loops, and recursion with no luck.

Can I take an array like this:

array(
    (int) 0 => 'red',
    (int) 1 => 'white'
    (int) 2 => 'blue'
)

And make it multidimensional like this:

array(
    'AND' => array(
        'LIKE ' => 'red',
        'AND' => array(
            'LIKE ' => 'white',
            'AND' => array(
                'LIKE ' => 'blue'
            )
        )
    )
)

sectus · Accepted Answer · 2013-12-04 05:07:05Z

1

Some magic up here with references without recursion.

$array = array('red', 'white', 'blue');

$new_array = array();
$temp_array = &$new_array;
foreach ($array as $item)
    {
    $temp_array = &$temp_array['and'];
    // $temp_array value now equals to null, 
    // and it's refers to parent array item with key 'and'
    $temp_array['like'] = $item;
    }
unset($temp_array);
print_r($new_array);

Demo

answered Dec 4, 2013 at 5:07

sectus

15.7k5 gold badges59 silver badges97 bronze badges

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

1 Comment

sectus Over a year ago

@user2856332, why don't recursion?

khattam · Accepted Answer · 2013-12-04 05:05:41Z

1

You can do it with recursion:

function multify($arr)
{
    if(count($arr)<=1)
    {
        return array('LIKE'=>array_pop($arr));
    }
    return array('LIKE'=>array_pop($arr), 'AND'=>multify($arr));
}

$arr = array('red', 'white', 'blue');
print_r(array('AND'=>multify($arr)));

answered Dec 4, 2013 at 5:05

khattam

1,1841 gold badge8 silver badges14 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Convert a flat array into a nested multidimensional array with predefined keys at each level

2 Answers 2

1 Comment

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

1 Comment

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related