How to use explode and get the first element on one line in PHP?

Question

$beforeDot = explode(".", $string)[0]; 

This is what I am trying to do, except that it returns a syntax error. If you have a workaround for one liner, please let me know. If this is not possible, explain.

Answer 1

function array unlocking was implemented in PHP 5.4, so if you are using an older version, you will have to do it differently.

Here is an easy way to do this:

 $beforeDot = array_shift(explode('.', $string)); 

Answer 2

You can use list for this:

 list($first) = explode(".", "foo.bar"); echo $first; // foo 

This also works if you need a second (or third, etc.) element:

 list($_, $second) = explode(".", "foo.bar"); echo $second; // bar 

But it can become quite awkward.

Answer 3

Use array_shift() for this:

 $beforeDot = array_shift(explode(".", $string)); 

Answer 4

in php <= 5.3 you need to use

 $beforeDot = explode(".", $string); $beforeDot = $beforeDot[0]; 

Answer 5

Use current () to get the first position after the explosion:

 $beforeDot = current(explode(".", $string));