Question

I need to insert mutiple data in the field and then to retrieve it as an array.
For example I need to insert “99999” into table item_details , field item_number, and the following data into field bidders associated with item_number :
userx
usery
userz
Can you please let me know what sql query should I use to insert the info and what query to retrieve it ?
I know that this may be a silly question but I just can’t figure it out .

thank you in advance,
Michael .

Answer 1

If you are simply wanting to store an array in a MySQL Field for later retrieval, then you could use implode()[PHP Docs] as suggested above (which will destroy the array’s keys, but retain the array’s values), or serialize()[PHP Docs] which will retain both the values and the associated keys.

$theArray = array(
  'key1' => 'One' ,
  'key2' => 'Two'
);
$serArray = serialize( $theArray ); // a:2:{s:4:"key1";s:3:"One";s:4:"key2";s:3:"Two";}
$sqlStr = 'INSERT INTO `table` ( `name` , `arrayField` ) VALUES ( "Test Row" , "'.$serArray.'" )';

If you are talking about using two related table to store data, then you are probably best advised to refer to tutorials like http://www.sql-tutorial.net/SQL-JOIN.asp, http://www.databasejournal.com/features/oracle/article.php/3527921/Just-SQL-Part-IV–Joining-Tables.htm