[Resolved] Multi-Column & Group

GIJew

Hi again,

So I figured out how to group and display the way I wanted but now I want to display each category in multiple columns (4-columns).

I've been using the same multi-column output script for a while now and it's always been fine except now I'm not sure how to tweak it to fit what I am trying to do.

<?PHP
// This snippet groups my results (snippet 1)
$sqlCat   = MySQL_Query("SELECT cat_name FROM linkcats ORDER BY cat_name");

while($cat = mysql_fetch_array($sqlCat)) {
  echo '<table border="1">'.
       '<tr>'.
       '<td><b>'.$cat['cat_name'].'</b></td>'.
       '</tr>';
  $sqlLinks = MySQL_Query("SELECT * FROM links WHERE link_cat = '". $cat['cat_name'] ."' AND owner = '$user'");

  while($link = MySQL_Fetch_Array($sqlLinks)) {
    $link_name[] = $allLinks['link_name'];
    echo '<tr>'.
         '<td>'.$link['link_name'].'</td>'.
         '</tr>';
  }
  echo '</table>';
}
// End snippet 1

/*****************************************************************/

// This snippet will output everything into multiple columns (snippet 2)

$sqlCat   = MySQL_Query("SELECT cat_name FROM linkcats ORDER BY cat_name");
$columns  = 4;
$numRows 	= MySQL_Num_Rows ($sqlCat);
$rows = ceil($numRows / $columns);

while($category = MySQL_Fetch_Array($sqlCat)) {
  $cat[] = $category['cat_name'];
}
echo '<br><br>'.
     '<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" align="center" width="50%" border="1">';
  for($i = 0; $i < $rows; $i++) {
    echo '<tr>';
    for($j = 0; $j < $columns; $j++) {
      if(isset($cat[$i + ($j * $rows)])) {
        echo '<td>'. $cat[$i + ($j * $rows)] . '</td>';
      }
    }
    echo '</tr>';
  }
echo '</table>';
// End snippet 2
?>

If you can help me figure out how to sort the data into 4 columns while keeping the grouping integrity I would be very happy.

Thank you for the help!

ZibingsCoder

I'm noticing something here...

The more code/text there is in a post, the longer it takes for someone (anyone) to reply. Also, the more work involved, the less likely you are to get a reply.

Why don't ya try and shorten everything a bit, maybe someone will be tricked into it?

GIJew

Well, thanks for the rude response, that is why I rarely frequent this board.

Second, there is not a lot of code there. I explained quite simply what I am looking for. You did not even have to look at the code, I was merely displaying it as an example of my frustration. Also, I just needed to (at bare minimum) be pointed in the right direction.

Next time you feel the need to make a comment like that why don't you politely go screw yourself.

Thank you, dick!

Edit: I have actually had a great experience with this board. I have always gotten help quickly and professionally. Thank you for that!

ZibingsCoder

Hrm...now I'm noticing a new pattern, except this one involves me exclusively.

Sorry to all the good peeps on here, apparently I need to learn to spell out what I mean more often. My bad. Didn't mean to be rude, but guess I did go about giving a possible bump/tip the wrong way. rereads Hrm...well then, don't I just feel bad. sigh:glare:

[Edit]
Though I must say, I don't see where his argument comes into play too well. I mean, the only "rudeness" I've seen from others so far is when people ask to do things that they really shouldn't ask to be done (please ask Buzzly about this, I'm sure he'll have a bit of rant left). New take on things:

To those here who are cool, sorry if a third party doesn't use the board to get your help for free because of my misunderstood quote.

To GIJew...iono man, you've got something up yer a$$ that needs to come out. I didn't mean any harm, and these boards are far from hostile to people who need help far as I can see.

GIJew

I am having to edit this post now in reply to ZibingsCoder.

I was under the impression that these boards were to help steer people in the right direction when they were in trouble with their code.

There are many people that can give really good, valid advice and help others advance with their programming.

I AM looking for free advice because that is what is so wonderful about the PHP community. It is OPEN SOURCE and people are generally very helpful. At the very bare minimum they try to provide a link to read.

The reason why I have something up my "a$$" is because of how you approached my post. I was and am looking for help because my programming knowledge does not include what I am trying to do right now. That is why I am trying to LEARN from the advice from others. If that includes a re-write of my code, GREAT! I can learn from their knowledge and move on.

I am done with this!

ZibingsCoder

Well then...hanky panky honkey dorey.

I think you're missing my point. I gave you a bump, as well as what I thought might have been some useful advice. I did this in a way which, to -ME-, was a very "happy-go-lucky", as well as humerous, manner. You took it to heart. That's not my fault, but once again, much more plainly, do not take what I say to heart unless there is some sort of disclaimer. Consider this your disclaimer.

rachel2004

Originally posted by ZibingsCoder
The more code/text there is in a post, the longer it takes for someone (anyone) to reply. Also, the more work involved, the less likely you are to get a reply.

I have to agree with this opinion. I don't think ZibingsCoder meant any harm in his suggestion. What one reader views as a lot of code may seem manageable by someone else... regardless, doesn't warrant the name-calling, but to each his own, I suppose.

PallaviDalvi

if u cud give me a sample output of what u get and what u want...maybe i wud be in a better position to undertand...since i'm unable to simulate a similar table structure at my end.

ZibingsCoder

grumbles

From what I can tell, he's using categories which then dictate what links are used. So...here's a SID (Please note, this should equate to Shot-In The-Dark to those of you old enough to know good music snickers).

Warning: Psuedo-Code Follows

$query = mysql_query("get all accessible categories");

if ( !$query )
   die ( "Error" );

echo ( "<table>" );

$col = 0;
while ( $row = mysql_fetch_array($query) )
{
    if ( $col == 0 )
       echo ( "<tr>" );

$col++;

echo ( "<td>" );

echo ( $row['data']."<br>" );

$query2 = mysql_query("get category links");

if ( !$query2 )
   echo ( "Error" );

else
{
    while ( $link = mysql_fetch_array($query) )
    {
       echo ( "<div>".$link['data']."</div><br>" );
    }
}

echo ( "</td>" );

if ( $col == 3 )
   echo ( "</tr>" );
}

Again...it's in the morning...and I'm not too awake juuust yet. But that's the general idea I think he wants. Don't say I wasn't at all helpful...

GIJew

With snippet 1 I would get output similiar to this.

Category 1
- Link
- Link
Category 2
- Link
- Link
Category 3
- Link
- Link

Snippet 2 would produce output similiar to this.

I'm trying to figure out how to use or re-write the second snippet so that I can still keep the integrity of the first one.

Thanks for the help.

GIJew

Hey Zibings,

Even if it does not work, I appreciate the effort. I'm on my way to work so I'll try it out when I get there. Just the same, thank you.

ZibingsCoder

The code I gave, though not much of code, is how you'd do what you want as I look it over again. You want something like...

Category1   |   Category2   |   Category3   |   Category4
 -link1            -link1           -link1           -link1
 -link2            -link2           -link2           -link2

And that's what the "code" will do.

[update]
alright...I'm not screwing with the spacing on that damn thing anymore...you get the idea

GIJew

Thanks again for your help Zibings. I really and honestly appreciate the effort.

I did a bit of tweaking and it looked the way I wanted it to. Thanks again.

P.S. Ozzy Osbourne!