How to create a dynamic array key path?

[NormsIM]

I have a string var that get’s built with a string something like:

$selection = "[selection1][selection2]";

selection1 and selection2 can really be any word. And there can be more selections in the var such as “[selection1][selection2][selection3][selection4]”

Is there anyway to use this to define a dynamic array key path so it can be used to assign values to an array? Something like:

$dynamic_selection . $selection = "red";

Which would eval into an array key path like:

$dynamic_selection[ 'selection1' ][ 'selection2' ] = "red";

[benanamen]

Hi @NormsIM,

Could you please tell us about the real problem you are trying to solve with this code. What is the high level overview of what you have going on?

[Mittineague]

I’m not sure, but this sounds like a need for variable variables

i.e. values are assigned to array members that have dynamic keys

$some_arr[{$$dynamic_rando}] = $val; 

I never feel 100% at ease with variable variables, check syntax and test if you go this way.

[m_hutley]

1) Extract elements (preg_match_all).
2) You now know how many layers deep you're going, and the keys for each level.
3.a) $target = 'some_arr';
3) Foreach key in the array of keys:
4) If ${$target}[$key] Does Not Exist, ${$target}[$key] = array();
5) $target += "['".$key."']";
6) EndForeach

(Above is untested, but I… think it works.)