Converting a multidimensional array into another multidimensional array but with a different structure

Question

I'm having some trouble manipulating a complex array which looks like this:

Array
(
    [0] => Array
        (
            [checklist_position] => 8
            [checklist_id] => 2
            [question_id] => 11
            [section] => 1
            [sum_a] => 332611
            [sum_b] => 566201
        )

    [1] => Array
        (
            [checklist_position] => 9
            [checklist_id] => 2
            [question_id] => 12
            [section] => 1
            [sum_a] => 567725
            [sum_b] => 67301
        )

    [2] => Array
        (
            [checklist_position] => 10
            [checklist_id] => 2
            [question_id] => 13
            [section] => 1
            [sum_a] => 20004
            [sum_b] => 38381
        )

    [3] => Array
        (
            [checklist_position] => 11
            [checklist_id] => 2
            [question_id] => 14
            [section] => 2
            [sum_a] => 699144
            [sum_b] => 139456
        )

    [4] => Array
        (
            [checklist_position] => 12
            [checklist_id] => 2
            [question_id] => 15
            [section] => 2
            [sum_a] => 791204
            [sum_b] => 336133
        )

    [5] => Array
        (
            [checklist_position] => 13
            [checklist_id] => 2
            [question_id] => 16
            [section] => 2
            [sum_a] => 447501
            [sum_b] => 503112
        )

    [6] => Array
        (
            [checklist_position] => 14
            [checklist_id] => 2
            [question_id] => 17
            [section] => 2
            [sum_a] => 651332
            [sum_b] => 803628
        )

)

What I'm trying to do is to convert it to an array like this:

Array
(
    [0] => Array
        (
            [section] => 1
            [questions] => Array
                (
                    [0] => Array
                        (
                            [checklist_position] => 1
                            [checklist_id] => 1
                            [question_id] => 1
                            [section] => 1
                            [sum_a] => 348659
                            [sum_b] => 273072
                        )

                    [1] => Array
                        (
                            [checklist_position] => 2
                            [checklist_id] => 2
                            [question_id] => 2
                            [section] => 1
                            [sum_a] => 825992
                            [sum_b] => 189190
                        )

                )

        )

    [1] => Array
        (
            [section] => 2
            [questions] => Array
                (
                    [0] => Array
                        (
                            [checklist_position] => 1
                            [checklist_id] => 1
                            [question_id] => 1
                            [section] => 1
                            [sum_a] => 348659
                            [sum_b] => 273072
                        )

                    [1] => Array
                        (
                            [checklist_position] => 2
                            [checklist_id] => 2
                            [question_id] => 2
                            [section] => 1
                            [sum_a] => 825992
                            [sum_b] => 189190
                        )

                )

        )

)

The problem is I don't know where to begin and any tip is very appreciated.

Thank you!

Start with looping through your original array, and creating a new array. — Josh
– Josh, Commented Mar 26, 2012 at 16:29
So what is the pattern? slice array pieces (2 array each) and make new array with different structure ? — safarov
– safarov, Commented Mar 26, 2012 at 16:30
@safarov, yes, I want to build a new array with the structure I posted above. — Psyche
– Psyche, Commented Mar 26, 2012 at 16:32

safrazik · Accepted Answer · 2012-03-26 17:09:44Z

1

@Patroklo's solution simplified:

$result = array();
foreach($array1 as $data){
    $section = $data['section'];
    $result[$section]['section'] = $section;
    $result[$section]['questions'][] = $data;
}

$result = array_values($result); // to re order

$array1 is your array with the current data and $result is what you expect

edited Mar 26, 2012 at 17:09

answered Mar 26, 2012 at 16:50

safrazik

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2 Comments

Psyche Over a year ago

Thank you mrsafraz. The output is as expected. Got one more question though. Can $result start at 0? Now it starts at 1.

safrazik Over a year ago

$result = array_values($result); - Check the answer again - I edited it. Regards.

Patroklo · Accepted Answer · 2012-03-26 16:38:53Z

1

Probably you'll have less trouble using the section number in the keys of the arrays, like (being $array1 the first array of your question):

foreach($array1 as $data)
{
    if(!array_key_exists($result[data['section']))
    {
        $result[$data['section']] = array('section' => $data['section']);
    }

    $result[$data['section']['questions'][] = $data;
}

Haven't checked it out, but it should make it.

edited Mar 26, 2012 at 16:38

answered Mar 26, 2012 at 16:32

Patroklo

5164 silver badges15 bronze badges

3 Comments

Psyche Over a year ago

I think you're missing some brackets over there. It's true that I get some output, but its not as desired.

Psyche Over a year ago

Oh, so you mean somethin like $array1 = $original_array[0]?

Patroklo Over a year ago

No, $array1 = $original_array; You only have to loop through it, the only difference is that in the final array, instead of having the keys like -> 0, 1, 2, 3... they will be like: 1, 2

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