String comparison

mattmax

Hi, I am stuck in the middle of a string comparison. I want to compare two strings to check the validity of an order. (C.q. Users must choose the same processors when they order a dual processor server).
PHP says that:
Intel® P III 1000 MHz (256 KB, 133 MHz)
isn't the same as
Intel® P III 1000 MHz (256 KB, 133 MHz)
No matter if I use == or === as comparison. What could be the problem, they have the same datatype, both are selected from a (different) table in a database.
I can not directly compare the values of the database, because both have a different name (extra proc will cost more) in the database. Each processor is stored in the database with the price included in its description. The name of the processor is extracted with explode() and stored in a variable $processor and $processor2. With echo "$processor<br>$processor2"; you will see the exact same value as described above, but PHP keeps saying they are not equal. Probably your knowledge extends mine, so I hope for reactions. Matt

Anon

You've tried calling trim() on $processor and $processor2 first to make sure there's no white space? Or looped through the strings, comparing each character's ord() value?

reagent

why not use the concept of primary keys to store this type of information.. you could have a table that stores processor type, another for speed, etc.. that way you know all your data is the same/different based on the id.

but, like PM said, try using trim.. Another suggestion would be to use both trim and strtoupper to compare. A better way of comparison is to use strcmp() instead of ==

mattmax

Yes, I will use trim() and ord(). Haven't thought about that.
Comment on the last post:
The information is stored in a table with different fields, but the description is shown in a select menu and users like to see the price in the select box. That's why I have to include it in the description. To introduce a new field will cause many, many updates. Thank you for your support!