Variable condition statements

[Jabocra]

I'm trying to build a conditional statement based on the script users settings which is then used in an if() construct.

for example:
$lines = "$condition1==apples ¦¦ $condition2==pears ¦¦ $condition3==plums"

I know that the conditional statement is getting built properly because I was able to echo it to make sure. The problem is that I can't get the string in $lines to be evaluated inside the if() condition. I have a feeling that I may need to use the eval() function, but am not sure how to do this. Help please :)

The code in question looks like this

if($lines) {
Do something....
}else{
Do something else
}

Thanks

[lorax]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld Jacobra!

I think you're on the right track. Your example of if($lines) will fail because the var $lines is not being read. I haven't run into this situation but I think you're on the right track. Have you tried using eval() to see what you get?

[Jabocra]

Thnx for the welcome lorax :)

Yes, I've been trying to find a way to use eval().

The snippet of code I posted earlier is in a loop, this is a more accurate representation of what I am trying to do.

$lines = "$condition==2 ¦¦ $condition==6 ¦¦ $condition==15";
$list=40;

for ($condition=1; $condition<=$list; $condition++) {

if (eval("\$lines=\"$lines\";")) {
Do something....
}else{
Do something else...
}

}

the problem I have is that the value of $condition doesn't increase in the eval'd statement, it stays at "1" for each occurrence of $condition in $lines, which kinda makes sense...

the more I play with this I am thinking maybe I am approaching it from the wrong angle?

[dcrombie]

Have you tried using the PHP switch statement? I'm not sure exactly what you're trying to do so this might be on the wrong track as well.

[php.net ]

[coopster]

In PHP 4, eval() returns NULL unless return is called in the evaluated code, in which case the value passed to return is returned. Try this instead:

<?php 
$lines = '$condition==2 ¦¦ $condition==6 ¦¦ $condition==15'; 
$list=40; 
for ($condition=1; $condition<=$list; $condition++) { 
if (eval("return $lines;")) { 
// Do something 
} else { 
// Do something else 
} 
} 
?> 

[Jabocra]

ahhhh, beautiful coopster!

works like a charm, thanks ever so much!

[lorax]

Darn... this is the umpteenth time I've missed out on participating in the solution! Gotta stop going to family functions, sleep, dinner, walks.... ;)

Nice one coopster. Jabocra - sorry about the mispelling in my first post.

[Jabocra]

np lorax - I'm sure I'll be back with another dilemma you can take a crack at. ;)

thnx to everyone who replied.