undefined offset when using php explode()

user_107180 0
Viewed 60579

I've written what I thought was a very simple use of the php explode() function to split a name into forename and surname:

// split name into first and last
$split = explode(' ', $fullname, 2);
$first = $split[0];
$last = $split[1];

However, this is throwing up a php error with the message "Undefined offset: 1". The function still seems to work, but I'd like to clear up whatever is causing the error. I've checked the php manual but their examples use the same syntax as above. I think I understand what an undefined offset is, but I can't see why my code is generating the error!

explode php
7 Answers

Use array_pad

e.q.: $split = array_pad(explode(' ', $fullname), 2, null);

  • explode will split your string into an array without any limits.
  • array_pad will fill the exploded array with null values if it has less than 2 entries.

See array_pad

user_5867900

array_pad is the only valid answer in this thread, all others are ugly hacks that can explode into your face. With array_pad you can always be sure that the amount of elements is correct and filled. Especially important when using with a list() type output.

user_78119930
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