Create an Array from a multiple select box

drgreybow01 · August 8th, 2003, 04:34 PM

This may sound relatively simple, but there is a twist.

The twist is that I need to take the values selected from a multiple select box, (which normally wouldn't be that bad - just split at the comma), but the data that populates the select box already contains commas.

Ex: last name, first name
1. Jones, John
2. Morris, Mike

If you were to split at the commas, you would get an array with data like:

'Jones', 'John', 'Morris', 'Mike'

But what I really need is:

'Jones, John', 'Morris, Mike'

Notice the difference?

I'm sure this is something that is encountered from time to time, but I just can't seem to figure out how do it right now. I would greatly appreciate any assistance you can offer.

Thanks

rodmcleay · August 10th, 2003, 08:51 PM

You could convert the 1st and every second comma then on into another character such as * using the 'mid' function and 'mid' statement.
Then split it.
Then loop through the array and replace the * again.

or...

You could leave the comma out of the value in the first place.
And add a comma to the space with 'replace' later if required
eg.

Code:

<select name="mySelect" multiple etc>
    <option value="Jones John">Jones, John</option>
    <option value="Morris Mike">Morris, Mike</option>
</<select>

But...
If the first and last names have come from a DB I would look into using the index of the record as the select inputs value attribute and working arround it that way.

Depends on what you wish to do with the values next.

Rod

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They say, best men are moulded out of faults,
And, for the most, become much more the better
For being a little bad.
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