Get Specific Data From Array, Based On Another Value

Question

I have an array that outputs these values:

Array ( 
    [0] => stdClass Object ( 
        [ID] => 6585
        [COLOR] => red 
        [Name] => steve
        ) 
    [1] => stdClass Object ( 
        [ID] => 5476 
        [COLOR] => blue 
        [Name] => sol
        ) 
    [2] => stdClass Object ( 
        [ID] => 7564 
        [COLOR] => yellow 
        [Name] => jake 
        ) 
    [3] => stdClass Object ( 
        [ID] => 3465 
        [COLOR] => green 
        [Name] => helen 
        ) 
    )

Now, I will know the ID of the person, and I need the get the COLOR value for that specific value set. How is this best achieved please?

How are you getting the data into this format? The preferred method would be to have your ID as the keys in the array so you could reference it with $arr[$id]->COLOR, but that won't be possible with the current format. — Kory Sharp
– Kory Sharp, Commented Mar 12, 2012 at 16:44
It's given like that, which means I can make them array keys either. Also it's already in a function so we can't have a function in a function? — A Smith
– A Smith, Commented Mar 12, 2012 at 16:49

UltraInstinct · Accepted Answer · 2012-03-12 16:54:49Z

4

Something like this:

function getColorById($arr, $id){
    foreach($arr as $item){
        if ($item->ID == $id)
            return $item->COLOR;
    }
    return "blah!";
}

Use like echo getColorById($arr, 3465);

EDIT: The way you have the data leads to slowing down access times. A better suggestion is to (since it seems ID is unique), you'd rather have that as the key to your array. You have integer indices to it, now. Construct the array (unless you are receiving it from some area beyond what you have control over) something like the below:

$arr = array();
$arr["ID_4634"] = <object>;

edited Mar 12, 2012 at 16:54

answered Mar 12, 2012 at 16:45

UltraInstinct

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4 Comments

Kory Sharp Over a year ago

This solution would work, but would be much slower than necessary, especially as the size of the data would grow. The data should probably be reformatted to query the arrays in the manner that he needs them to.

UltraInstinct Over a year ago

Yes! You are correct, I thought its unnecessary to point that out, since others have done so. Or wait, I will update my post. Thanks :)

A Smith Over a year ago

Hi, it's already in a function so we can't have a function in a function, can we?

UltraInstinct Over a year ago

Yes, you can. But I would suggest keep it outside. It improves readability, and allows other functions to use it, unless you have your reasons not to.

Pheonix · Accepted Answer · 2012-03-12 17:32:08Z

2

You probably want change the way you are storing it up for faster access.

With the current format, you will need to loop through the elements and compare colors until you find a match.

for($i=0;$i<count($array);$i++){
  if($array[$i]['ID'] == $id)
    return $array[$i]['COLOR']
}

alternatively, store it with the ID's as the keys.

edited Mar 12, 2012 at 17:32

answered Mar 12, 2012 at 16:44

Pheonix

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2 Comments

CLo Over a year ago

This searches by color, not by the 'ID'

Pheonix Over a year ago

@Chris oh missed that :p fixed.

Kory Sharp · Accepted Answer · 2012-03-12 16:57:47Z

1

$users = array();
$count = count($arr);
for ($i = 0; $i < $count; $i++) {
    $users[$arr[$i]['ID']] = array(
        'Name' => $arr[$i]['Name'],
        'COLOR' => $arr[$i]['COLOR']
    );
}
echo $users[$id]['COLOR'];

where $arr represents the array you outputted in your initial post and $id is the id of the person who's color you're trying to access. You can also then get their name by using

echo $users[$id]['Name'];

answered Mar 12, 2012 at 16:57

Kory Sharp

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Comments

user1253602 · Accepted Answer · 2012-03-12 16:53:06Z

0

IDTry below :

for($i=0; $i<count($array); $i++)
{
  if($array[$i]['ID'] == $id)
    return $array[$i]['COLOR'];
}

answered Mar 12, 2012 at 16:53

user1253602

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