Return an array of data

[NancyJ]

I need to request a set of distances from a php script and get them into a javascript array where id=>distance (id being numerical, I know javascript doesn't do associative arrays but I'm hoping it can no non-sequential numerical indexes) in the simplest way possible.

If it helps I'm using prototype for my ajax calls.

[shyam]

I need to request a set of distances from a php script and get them into a javascript array where id=>distance (id being numerical, I know javascript doesn't do associative arrays but I'm hoping it can no non-sequential numerical indexes) in the simplest way possible.

If it helps I'm using prototype for my ajax calls.

how did u get that wrong impression? javascript does have associative arrays

var hash = { name: 'jack', spouse: 'jill', location:'hill'};
alert(hash['name']); // gives jack

in ur case
var hash = {1:34.3, 2:6.5};

[GJay]

if yoiu hae php 5.2 or newer, or the JSON extension installed then json_encode() will do what you want. If you want the php to have gaps, then you'll want it to be a js object, ({}s), and then prototype will let you access it by using xhr.responseJSON in your onComplete function, instead of responseText.

If you subsequently need to iterate the object, then things will be made easier if you use the $H function, that lets you use .each() and friends, and access the keys as well as values quite simply.

[NancyJ]

if yoiu hae php 5.2 or newer, or the JSON extension installed then json_encode() will do what you want. If you want the php to have gaps, then you'll want it to be a js object, ({}s), and then prototype will let you access it by using xhr.responseJSON in your onComplete function, instead of responseText.

If you subsequently need to iterate the object, then things will be made easier if you use the $H function, that lets you use .each() and friends, and access the keys as well as values quite simply.

Thanks GJay, that sounds perfect.

[NancyJ]

I gave it a try


function changePort(id)
{
new Ajax.Request('/calculator/get_distances/'+id,
{
onSuccess: function(transport)
{
distances = transport.responseJSON;
recalculate();
}
});
}


The php looks ok http://tradersoftheburningsea.com/calculator/get_distances/4
and firebug says thats coming through ok but when I alert distances I get 'null'