eval() an array from a database

[[Az]]

I have two fields in a database, one for a setting_name and one for a setting value. I then want to eval() the setting_name to make it a PHP variable and set it to the corresponding value. I've got it working fine for standard text values in setting_value but as soon as I put an array in it stops working. To test it I set up the following code

$property = "emailAddressesSetting";
$value = '"news" => "news@domain.com","administrator" => "admin@domain.com"';
eval("\$$property = array(\$value);");
foreach ($emailAddressesSetting as $key=>$value)
{
     echo $key." - ".$value."<br />";
} 

This generates an array with one value set to the text string that is in $value rather than an array with two values. I've looked on the forum and seen similar threads but none of the seem to address the issue I have or more likely I haven't understood them

any help much appreciated

[ghurtado]

It seems to me your error is subtle yet sneaky.

Try instead of this

eval("\$$property = array(\$value);"); 

This:

eval("\$$property = array($value);"); 

[DaveCheney]

I use serialize() and unserialize() to store an unknown length array in my database tables. Something like

INSERT INTO user SET preferences = '.serialize($prefs)

Cheers

Dave

[[Az]]

jesus, i hate it when it turns out to be something simple Your suggestion was spot on ghurtado. Dave thanks for your reply as well, I didn't get around to using it but I've noted it for future use as I haven't used the serialize function before

thanks again

[jv2222]

Yes serialize is a much safer way to do this kind of thing.

[ghurtado]

Glad I could help