Recursively add element to array

Question

I need to merge those two arrays ($array2 in $array1):

$array1 = array(
    'data' => array(
        array(
            'raw' => array(
                'key1' => array('value1', 'value1_1'),
                'key3' => 'value3',
            ),
        ),
        array(
            'raw' => array(
                'key1' => array('value10', 'value10_1'),
                'key3' => 'value30',
            ),
        ),
        ...
    ),
);

$array2 = array(
    'data' => array(
       array(
           'raw' => array(
               'key1' => 'value1_2',
               'key2' => 'value2',
           )
       )
    )
);

Expected result :

array(
    'data' => array(
        array(
            'raw' => array(
                'key1' => array('value1', 'value1_1', 'value1_2'),
                'key2' => 'value2',
                'key3' => 'value3',
            ),
        ),
        array(
            'raw' => array(
                'key1' => array('value10', 'value10_1'),
                'key3' => 'value30',
            ),
        ),
    ),
);

When I'm using array_merge_recursive to merge $array2 in $array1['data'][0], I've got the following result:

$array1 = array(
    'data' => array(
        array(
            'raw' => array(
                'key1' => array('value1', 'value1_1'),
                'key3' => 'value3',
            ),
        ),
        array(
            'raw' => array(
                'key1' => array('value10', 'value10_1'),
                'key3' => 'value30',
            ),
        ),
        array(
           'raw' => array(
               'key1' => 'value1_2',
               'key2' => 'value2',
           )
       )
    ),
);

When I'm using array_replace_recursive, I've got the following result:

$array1 = array(
    'data' => array(
        array(
            'raw' => array(
                'key1' => 'value1_2',
                'key2' => 'value2',
                'key3' => 'value3',
            ),
        ),
        array(
            'raw' => array(
                'key1' => array('value10', 'value10_1'),
                'key3' => 'value30',
            ),
        ),
    ),
);

I'm looking for the simplest way to get the expected result. The arrays can have an unknown deph data structure and it can have more than one indexed subarray. It seems I need a combinaison between array_merge_recursive and array_replace_recursive

Thanks a lot for your answers :)

Do you NEED recursion? Is your data structure of unknown depth? Might the data subarray have more than one indexed subarray? If not, then I would argue that you should change your structure. ...Indexed arrays can really foul things up sometimes. — mickmackusa
– mickmackusa ♦, Commented May 16, 2018 at 12:39
Yes it is an unknow deph data structure. Indeed, the array can have more than one indexed subarray.... I will edit my answer to be more explicit. — Brah0um
– Brah0um, Commented May 16, 2018 at 12:58
Please provide sample input that clarifies the complexity of your data. Also, post your actual/complete/best coding attempt so that this isn't closed as Too Broad. — mickmackusa
– mickmackusa ♦, Commented May 16, 2018 at 13:04
I edited my answer. Tell me if you need more info. Thanks a lot :-) — Brah0um
– Brah0um, Commented May 16, 2018 at 13:14

mickmackusa · Accepted Answer · 2018-05-16 13:40:19Z

2

Just needing a bit of preparation first, to weed out that unwanted indexed subarray.

Code: (Demo)

$array1['data']=current($array1['data']); // repair
$array2['data']=current($array2['data']); // repair
var_export(array_merge_recursive($array1, $array2));  // merge as intended

Output:

array (
  'data' => 
  array (
    'raw' => 
    array (
      'key1' => 
      array (
        0 => 'value1',
        1 => 'value1_1',
        2 => 'value1_2',
      ),
      'key3' => 'value3',
      'key2' => 'value2',
    ),
  ),
)

After question update to express a more complex data structure...

Code: (Demo)

foreach ($array1['data'] as $set) {
    foreach ($set['raw'] as $k => $v) {
        if (!isset($result['data']['raw'][$k])) {
            $result['data']['raw'][$k] = $v;
        }else {
            $result['data']['raw'][$k] = array_merge((array)$result['data']['raw'][$k],(array)$v);
        }
    }
}
foreach ($array2['data'] as $set) {
    foreach ($set['raw'] as $k => $v) {
        if (!isset($result['data']['raw'][$k])) {
            $result['data']['raw'][$k] = $v;
        }else{
            $result['data']['raw'][$k] = array_merge((array)$result['data']['raw'][$k],(array)$v);
        }
    }
}
var_export($result);

edited May 16, 2018 at 13:40

answered May 16, 2018 at 12:46

mickmackusa♦

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4 Comments

zedling Over a year ago

this is only okay for the specific sample data, I suspect the aswer should be more robust

mickmackusa Over a year ago

Sure. I hope the OP clarifies. I can only build a solution for what is provided. Otherwise it is a rabbit hole of possibilities and fringe cases.

mickmackusa Over a year ago

@BwaBwa Please check my new snippet on your actual project data and let me know if it breaks. ...and if it does, please offer a minimal input array that causes the issue and I'll try again.

Brah0um Over a year ago

@mickmackusa Wow it works as expected ! I knew that will not be simple. Big thanks !! If I find a simplest way; I will edit your answer :)

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