PHP Array key change

Question

I have an array like

$arr = array('key1' => 'hello');

Now I need to change key, is there any why I can achieve this

I know I can do this way:

$arr['key2'] = $arr['key1']; unset($arr['key1']);

But, is there any other way?

I don't think there is, but what's wrong with the method in your question? — anon
– anon, Commented Dec 15, 2010 at 6:03
@AgentConundrum: Nothing wrong in current method, but it will get worse when I need to edit lot's of keys — I-M-JM
– I-M-JM, Commented Dec 15, 2010 at 6:12

Asaph · Accepted Answer · 2010-12-15 06:14:13Z

3

The way you've done it is the correct way. You cannot modify a key in an associative array. You can only add or remove keys. If you find yourself in need of doing many "key modifications" you may need to step back and evaluate whether you're using the most appropriate data structure for your problem.

answered Dec 15, 2010 at 6:14

Asaph

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Comments

alex · Accepted Answer · 2010-12-15 06:18:38Z

1

If you were a little crazy you could write a function.

function changeKey(array $array, $oldKey, $newKey) {

     if ( ! array_key_exists($array, $oldKey)) {
         return $array;
     }

     $array[$newKey] = $array[$oldKey];
     unset($array[$oldKey]);
     return $array;
}

This will do nothing if the original key isn't present. It will also overwrite existing keys.

answered Dec 15, 2010 at 6:18

alex

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4 Comments

I-M-JM Over a year ago

thanks alex, and please check the link that is provided by Ben, it's nice

alex Over a year ago

@IMJM I've been using PHP for years and have never ran into a problem where swapping keys was the solution.

I-M-JM Over a year ago

me too using PHP for 7 years, but this time I am editing someone's code, which is badly written, so had no other choice, but still thanks for the help

alex Over a year ago

@IMJM Ah yeah, I know all about that :)

Ben · Accepted Answer · 2010-12-15 06:16:49Z

0

Sounds like what this guy did

http://www.jbip.net/content/how-replace-keys-array-php

answered Dec 15, 2010 at 6:16

Ben

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