php array_search associative array

Question

I'm trying to get the key from an array by searching for its value. In the following code, what I don't understand is why array_search() can't find the key when the $url file extension is "xls" but it can when it is "php". I've noticed a similar issue of not being able to "find" "xls" using in_array() and array_keys().

$url='http://mysite.com/hello.xls';
$url='http://mysite.com/hello.php';

$extension_arr=pathinfo($url);
$extension=strtolower($extension_arr['extension']);

$arr=array(
    'excel_file'=>'xls', 
    'excel_file'=>'xlsx',
    'php_file' =>'php'  
  );

$array_search_key=array_search($extension, $arr);
if($array_search_key !== false){
  echo $array_search_key;
}
else echo 'crap';

You need to flip the keys and values of the array, it's not possible to associate more than one value with a given key. You can use isset() to perform the function you require when the keys and values are swapped. — DaveRandom
– DaveRandom, Commented Jul 7, 2013 at 0:46
@DaveRandom thanks. It looks like this can also be solved by giving each key its own unique value, so something like 'excel_file xls' and 'excel_file xlsx'. Would you mind making an answer flipping the keys and values? — tim peterson
– tim peterson, Commented Jul 7, 2013 at 0:49

tim peterson · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-07 01:32:11Z

5

Your search works, but the array you're searching is flawed. Element 1 (xlsx) overwrites element 0, because the keys are the same.

$arr=array(
  'excel_file'=>'xls', 
  'excel_file'=>'xlsx',  // This overwrites the line above.
  'php_file' =>'php'  
);

Flip the elements around and then you can just check if the key exists:

$arr=array(
  'xls'=>'excel_file', 
  'xlsx'=>'excel_file',  
  'php'=>'php_file'  
);

if (isset($arr[$extension])) {
   // do stuff
   echo $arr[$extension];
}

edited Jul 7, 2013 at 1:32

tim peterson

24.4k63 gold badges188 silver badges304 bronze badges

answered Jul 7, 2013 at 0:57

user1864610

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1 Comment

max_ Over a year ago

You could go for an array of excel_files too, that would probably be more valid.

scel.pi · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-07 00:57:10Z

0

First try to debug the $extension if its display the wanted value (xls), try to swap the key and the val, and try to find by new key:

$aux = array();

foreach( $arr as $key => $val )
{
    $aux[ $val ] = $key;
}

so you try to find the current value:

if ( isset( @$aux[ $extension ] ) ) echo "I found the current extension";
else "extension not found!";

answered Jul 7, 2013 at 0:57

scel.pi

7036 silver badges9 bronze badges

2 Comments

scel.pi Over a year ago

Isset is not necessary, you can just if ( @$aux[ $extension ] )

apartridge Over a year ago

You should use isset and remove the shut-up operator @. Good habit.

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