[SurfboYne]

Okay this is my first time using a class, so you know.

I have a function in my class that needs to save all pubdates from an XML file in an array that I want to be able to read outside the class (anywhere in the PHP script, like global).

Reading and parsing the XML is fine. I just can't save the value (pubdate) in an array without losing it. When the next pubdates comes, the previous one is lost.

So how can I make an array with values that I can use outisde the class ?

[Jay6390]

Some code would help identify the problem and solution a bit clearer

[SurfboYne]

The code is really too big to paste here. It's just a function($value) that has to save all values in an array.

I'm not even sure if this is possible.

[Jay6390]

So you are wanting to pass an array to $class->function($array) and have it saved so that you can retrieve the values? or do you mean something else?

[phpdoctor]

By lossing the data, do you mean when the page is refreashed? (you cant do this)

Take a look at this example class: (Untested)

PHP Code:

<?php



class TestClass

{

    public $test_var = array() ;



    public function test_method($param)

    {

        [B]$this->test_var[/B] = $param ;

    }

}



$class = new TestClass ;

$test_array = array('Hello', 'World') ;

$class->test_method($test_array) ;



print_r($class->test_var) ; // [0] = Hello, [1] = World



?>

The code in bold is what i think you need to learn and get your head around.
To get a propertie inside the class you use $this->. after the -> you put the variable name (without the $)

Also Functions inside a class are called Methods...

Good Luck, feel free to ask questions on this
Lex

[Jay6390]

Yeah, that will work doc, but it is good practice to not have the property available for manipulation directly within a class, and to have it available only through the methods, otherwise it may as well not even have the method as he will be able to just set the var directly ie

PHP Code:

<?php 

class TestClass 
{ 
    public $test_var = array(); 

    public function test_method($param) 
    { 
        [b]$this->test_var[/b] = $param ; 
    } 
} 

$class = new TestClass ; 
$test_array = array('Hello', 'World') ;

#This line is redundant
#$class->test_method($test_array) ;
#and instead just set it with
$this->test_var=$test_array;

print_r($class->test_var) ; // [0] = Hello, [1] = World 

?>

That being said, if you are wanting to manipulate the data each time, you are best off using a method, setting the var to private, and having a get and set method for the value to guarantee the variable is properly stored each time, and not be altered accidentally outside of the class. therefore you would need something like this

PHP Code:

<?php 

class TestClass 
{ 
    private $test_var = array() ; 

    public function method_get() 
    { 
        return $this->test_var; 
    }

    public function method_set($param) 
    {
        #Perform actions on var here, including data manipulation and error checking
        $this->test_var = $param ; 
    } 
} 

$class = new TestClass ; 
$test_array = array('Hello', 'World') ; 
$class->method_set($test_array) ; 

print_r($class->method_get()) ; // [0] = Hello, [1] = World 

?>

Something I would like to know myself is is it better to set the var as an array directly, or in the __construct of the class itself, if it even makes any difference

Jay

[SurfboYne]

Okay thanks, I found it!

[phpdoctor]

Ah good point Jay, thanks for that!