Global variables and arrays

Anon

Hello, I have a question regarding the scope of array variables. I have a small script which is split up between many files, and there are a few array variables I need to be global (persistent).

I have had no problems with normal variables, by declaring them global in each functions, nor with constant arrays:
my config.php file (included everywhere)contains a constant array which is declared as such:
$bingoletters=array("B","I","N","G","O");
and this array is available everywhere when declared as global in each function.

But I am unable to do the same for a variable array.
by declaring it in my config.php file as:
$variablearray=array();
it is reinitialized at each page reload-> no good: I need persistence.

I tried with static also, without success. I wasn't successful at passing the array in the URL either 🙂

The only solution I have found is to save the array to a file, and reload it everywhere I need it, definitely not an efficient way of doing business, my array "file" can be up to 10 Mb (it's a Bingo card generator, a 1000 cards is about 1 Mb). I am trying to not require a database to allow more flexibility.

Any ideas? thanks a lot!

Anon

did u do:

script.php:

<?
$variablearray = array();
?>

somefile.php:

<?
function something() {
global $variablearray;
$variablearray = array("a", "b");
}
?>

or what did you do that's not working?

Diego

Anon

Yes, it is very similar to that.
But the "script.php" file gets reloaded with the page, and it seems that the variable gets reset each time.

I'll try again, and I'll also try with something like:
if (!is_array($variablearray) $variablearray=array();

Anon

Oooh, so you want a variable array to REMAIN after the script has ended? Then you'll have to save it in a file! RAM is temporary, as you probably know, and that's where the variable array is currently stored. So when the script ends, it is deleted. You'll need to save it into a file.

Diego

Anon

Diego, if I understand right: what you call a script is one php file. Includes or requires (and their functions) are thus treated as if they were in the same file, and that is where it is possible to have global scope for variables in one single script.

But as soon as you call another php page for form action or a hyperlink, or even call the same page again (which is what I am doing), the script ends, and all variable values are lost. Unless you send it in the URL or using the post method in a form for example. But there is no way to do this for arrays... (please tell me if I didn't understand right)

I see... Are there any solutions to this, other than writing a file? It seems you can send array values between scripts from a "select multiple " form elements? How about sessions? Can values be shared between several script (or several calls of the same script?)

Over to you... thanks.