How can I write an updated array into a PHP file

Question

I'm building something in PHP which reads from a PHP file, which looks like this:

<?php

return [
'name' => 'John Smith'
];

In my code, I'm getting the contents of the file and I'm reading it. But here's my problem. When I want to add an item to that array, I can but I'm not sure how to save it back into that array file.

I've tried these ways of doing it ($array being the updated array)

file_put_contents('file.php', var_export($array, true));

file_put_contents('file.php', print_r($array, true));

Hmmm what is return_r() when it is at home with its boots off? — RiggsFolly
– RiggsFolly, Commented Jul 11, 2019 at 13:26
Check what var_export($array, true) actually gives you, then figure out which missing parts around it you have to add yourself. — misorude
– misorude, Commented Jul 11, 2019 at 13:27

Thierry Leroux · Accepted Answer · 2019-07-11 13:36:37Z

1

Put back the array in your file using var_export() like this :

file_put_contents('file.php', '<?php return ' . var_export($array, true) . ';');

answered Jul 11, 2019 at 13:36

Thierry Leroux

1974 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

RiggsFolly · Accepted Answer · 2019-07-11 13:39:21Z

0

As I see @misorude already suggested you need parameter 2 of var_export to be set to true as below

$ids = ['t1'=>10, 't2'=> 12, 't3' => 5];

$str = '<?php ' . PHP_EOL
        . 'return '
        . var_export($ids, 1) . ';' ;

echo $str;

RESULT:

<?php 
return array (
  't1' => 10,
  't2' => 12,
  't3' => 5,
);

So just write $str to a file and you are done

edited Jul 11, 2019 at 13:39

answered Jul 11, 2019 at 13:33

RiggsFolly

94.7k22 gold badges108 silver badges152 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

How can I write an updated array into a PHP file

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related