Simplify PHP Validation of Multi-dimensional Array keys

Question

How can I simplify this code which validates multi-dimensional arrays before accessing one of its values?

<?php
function some_function($a) {
  if (isset($a) &&
    isset($a['container']) &&
    isset($a['container']['level1']) &&
    isset($a['container']['level1']['item1']) {
    print $a['container']['level1']['item1'];
  }
}
?>

Is there a simpler or better way to check that the keys exist?

Marc B · Accepted Answer · 2015-01-07 19:01:49Z

4

Just do a single isset($a['container']['level']['item1']). It'll check all of the keys in-order, and bail if any don't exist. There's no need to test your way "down" the tree.

answered Jan 7, 2015 at 19:01

Marc B

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1 Comment

Johnathan Elmore Over a year ago

Thanks, that works perfectly without throwing any notice errors.

Dave · Accepted Answer · 2015-01-07 19:03:30Z

1

You can just check the innermost value:

<?php
function some_function($a) {
  if (isset($a) &&
    isset($a['container']['level1']['item1']) {
    print $a['container']['level1']['item1'];
  }
}
?>

answered Jan 7, 2015 at 19:03

Dave

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