[RESOLVED] array in text file

[jeepin81]

Can I use file() or file_get_contents() to get a text file with an array inside and they use a foreach() to loop through the array like normal.

contents of the text file:

Array
(
    [13] => Array
        (
            [desc] => Acrylic Awards
        )

[9] => Array
    (
        [desc] => Completed Cups & Components
    )

[15] => Array
    (
        [desc] => Drinkware
    )

[6] => Array
    (
        [desc] => Economy Awards
    )

[1] => Array
    (
        [desc] => Engraving Materials & Supplies
    )

[14] => Array
    (
        [desc] => Frames
    )

[11] => Array
    (
        [desc] => Gifts & Engravables
    )

[12] => Array
    (
        [desc] => Glass & Crystal
    )

[10] => Array
    (
        [desc] => Medals & Ribbons
    )

[4] => Array
    (
        [desc] => Mylars & Inserts
    )

[3] => Array
    (
        [desc] => Plaques & Accessories
    )

[7] => Array
    (
        [desc] => Plastic Figures, Risers & Trim
    )

[5] => Array
    (
        [desc] => Resin Trophies
    )

[2] => Array
    (
        [desc] => Sublimation Materials & Supplies
    )

[8] => Array
    (
        [desc] => Trophy Supplies
    )

)

I've tested this:

$cacheDrill1 = 'cache/drill1.cache.php';
if(file_exists($cacheDrill1)){
  $drill1 = array();
  $drill1 = file_get_contents($cacheDrill1);
  $drill1 = (array)$drill1;
}

foreach($drill1 as $a=>$b){...}

but get the following error: Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach().

I tried including the file as well but didn't have any luck.

I appreciate any insight. Thanks.

[jeepin81]

I've got this working using serialize() / unserialize(). Not sure if this is the best method though?

                                        $cacheDrill1 = 'cache/drill1.cache.php';
					if(file_exists($cacheDrill1)){
						$string_data = file_get_contents($cacheDrill1);
						$drill1 = unserialize($string_data);
					}
					else{
						$drill1 = $shop->getDrill1();
						$data = $drill1;
						$data = serialize($data);
						file_put_contents($cacheDrill1, $data);
					}

[NogDog]

I would say that's a reasonable use of serialize. If there's any thought of making it more portable, you could save it via json_encode() and read it via json_decode().

[jeepin81]

Thanks NogDog... I'll keep that in mind for future projects.