Using func_get_args to edit an array

Question

I wish to use a function with an arbitrary number of arguments to edit an array. The code I have so far is:

 function setProperty()
 {
  $numargs = func_num_args();
  $arglist = func_get_args();
  $toedit = array();
  for ($i = 0; $i < $numargs-1; $i++)
  {
   $toedit[] = $arglist[$i];
   }
   $array[] = $arglist[$numargs-1];
 }

The idea of the code being I can do the following:

setProperty('array', '2nd-depth', '3rd', 'value1');
setProperty('array', 'something', 'x', 'value2');
setProperty('Another value','value3');

Resulting in the following array:

Array
(
    [array] => Array
        (
            [2nd-depth] => Array
                (
                    [3rd] => value1
                )

            [something] => Array
                (
                    [x] => value2
                )

        )

    [Another Value] => value3
)

The issue I believe is with the line:

$toedit[] = $arglist[$i];

What does this line need to be to achieve the required functionality?

Cheers,

Answer 1

You need to walk the path to the destination before storing the new value. You can do this with a reference:

function setProperty() {
    $numargs = func_num_args();
    if ($numargs < 2) return false; // not enough arguments
    $arglist = func_get_args();

    // reference for array walk    
    $ar = &$array;
    // walk the array to the destination
    for ($i=0; $i<$numargs-1; $i++) {
        $key = $arglist[$i];
        // create array if not already existing
        if (!isset($ar[$key])) $ar[$key] = array();
        // update array reference
        $ar = &$ar[$key];
    }

    // add value
    $ar = $arglist[$numargs-1];
}

But the question where this $array should be stored still remains.

Answer 2

Try using foreach to loop through your array first. Then to handle children, you pass it to a child function that will grab everything.

I also recommend using the function sizeof() to determine how big your arrays are first, so you'll know your upper bounds.

Answer 3

class foo {
private $storage;
function setProperty()
{
    $arglist = func_get_args();
    if(count($argslist) < 2) return false;
    $target = &$this->storage;
    while($current = array_shift($arglist)){
        if(count($arglist)==1){
             $target[$current] = array_shift($arglist);
             break;
        }
        if(!isset($target[$current])) $target[$current] = array();
        $target = &$target[$current];
    }
}
}