How can I effectively retrieve HTML form input as nested arrays in PHP using bracketed input names?

Form Input as Array in HTML and PHP

In HTML forms, you can represent input fields in array format by incorporating brackets ([]) into the input name attribute. This approach becomes particularly useful when you have multiple inputs of the same type and want to capture their values in a structured manner.

Problem Statement

Consider the following form structure:

<form>
    <input type="text" name="levels[level]">
    <input type="text" name="levels[build_time]">

    <input type="text" name="levels[level]">
    <input type="text" name="levels[build_time]">
</form>

The goal is to retrieve the input values as an array in PHP, organized as follows:

Array (
  [1] => Array ( [level] => 1 [build_time] => 123 )
  [2] => Array ( [level] => 2 [build_time] => 456 )
)

Solution

To achieve this, simply add brackets to the input names:

<input type="text" name="levels[level][]">
<input type="text" name="levels[build_time][]">

This change allows PHP to automatically group the inputs by brackets, generating the desired array structure.

Troubleshooting

Initial Output Problem:

[levels] => Array (
  [0] => Array ( [level] => 1 )
  [1] => Array ( [build_time] => 234 )
  [2] => Array ( [level] => 2 )
  [3] => Array ( [build_time] => 456 )
)

Solution: Ensure the brackets are placed at the end of the input name attribute:

<input type="text" name="levels[level][]">
<input type="text" name="levels[build_time][]">

This will create separate arrays for level and build_time.

Example Usage:

$levels = $_POST['levels'];

echo $levels['level'][0]; // Output: 1
echo $levels['build_time'][0]; // Output: 123

Conclusion

By using brackets in input names, you can easily create arrays in PHP that reflect the structure of your HTML form. This simplifies data retrieval and handling.

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