Strange array syntax in PHP

Question

I'm modifying a web form, this is the array syntax it currently uses:

$fields = array(); 
$fields{"name"} = "Name"; 
$fields{"title"} = "Title"; 
$fields{"email"} = "Email"; 
$fields{"prefer_phone"} = "Prefer phone"; 
$fields{"prefer_email"} = "Prefer email";
$fields{"message"} = "Message";
$fields{"referral"} = "Referral";

The values on the left are from the webform, on the right is what displays in the email.

I'm not too familiar with php but I've not seen an array setup like this in other languages.. (where are the array[5], etc.?)

I need to add another variable into the array. The new variable is from earlier in the script so it won't have the $fields{} syntax I assume.

I can't find documentation of this type of syntax for PHP arrays -- help? How do I add another value into here.. something like:

{$phone} = "Phone";

possible duplicate of [Array-like statement with curly brackets - what is the purpose?](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/6129465/array-like-statement-with-curly-brackets-what-is-the-purpose) — Phil, Aug 08 '13 at 23:16

score 3 · Answer 1 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:20

3

See this question

Both are valid, but could be changed to the square bracket notation you expected to see.

edited May 23 '17 at 12:20

Community

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answered Aug 08 '13 at 23:07

Chris Brown

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score 3 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 12:28

3

The curly braces actually tell PHP to escape the value within them, so while the other answers are right as well, there's more to the story that is worth understanding.

You should also read This Answer

edited May 23 '17 at 12:28

Community

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answered Aug 08 '13 at 23:10

random_user_name

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My guess is terminology. What we're seeing is string interpolation, not escaping. – Mike Sherrill 'Cat Recall' Aug 09 '13 at 01:05

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Aug 08 '13 at 23:10

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In PHP arrays you can use numbers or strings inside the brackets. http://php.net/manual/en/language.types.array.php

Normally, however, it uses plain brackets [] not curly {}.

answered Aug 08 '13 at 23:10

developerwjk

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Strange array syntax in PHP

3 Answers3