Replace key in array from external file and write it back

Question

I have an array in a file and I want to change a value from this and write it back to file like the original file.

My file with the array:

return [
    'modules' => [
        'test-module1'      => 1,
        'test-module2'      => 1,
    ],
];

I want to replace a value (the numbers) and write it back like this style to a file with PHP (when it's possible).

E.g. I want to disable test-module1 and set key to 0. What is the best way. I've no plan at this time.

EDIT: I know how to change the key but I don't know how to write it back to the file.

This seems like a poor way to format a data file. It would be better to use JSON or serialize() format. — Barmar
– Barmar, Commented Jan 25, 2017 at 20:53
You dont want to do this. You want to have a little think about what you are doing and come up with a better way of doing it. Suggest you have a think about what @Barmar suggested — RiggsFolly
– RiggsFolly, Commented Jan 25, 2017 at 20:55
@no2br3ak Your sexual preferences are totally irrelivant here. We are an equal oportunities helper. :) — RiggsFolly
– RiggsFolly, Commented Jan 25, 2017 at 21:16

AbraCadaver · Accepted Answer · 2017-01-26 18:39:35Z

2

I do this with JSON. However, if you are tied to this format, it returns an array. Just include, modify and write:

$result = include('path/to/file.php');
$result['modules']['test-module1'] = 0;

But it would be difficult to get that format. You would get the other array format with var_export():

file_put_contents('path/to/file.php', 'return ' . var_export($result, true) . ';');

Yields:

return array (
  'modules' =>
  array (
    'test-module1' => 0,
    'test-module2' => 1,
  ),
);

However, json_encode($result, JSON_PRETTY_PRINT); will yield:

{
    "modules": {
        "test-module1": 0,
        "test-module2": 1
    }
}

Then you can use file_get_contents() and json_decode() from there. No need to return.

answered Jan 25, 2017 at 20:55

AbraCadaver

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3 Comments

Oh maybe not. The result of an include is true or false

Not when you return a value. php.net/manual/en/function.include.php Example #5

Oh yea, my testing mistake. Silly Billy Me.