What is the solution to CodeIgniter libraries?

I'm encountering an issue with my CodeIgniter library. I created the CI_Navigation() class to convert database data into a navigation with active elements, but I have a problem when dealing with separate navigations on the same webpage, such as a main navigation at the top and a subnavigation on the side. To address this, I tried initializing the class with a parameter indicating which levels the navigation should hold. Here's an example:

$this->load->library('Navigation');
$main = $this->navigation->build(array('levels' => array(0)));
$sub = $this->navigation->build(array('levels' => array(1,2)));

However, this approach doesn't work because the class data retains the state assigned by the first call to build. Unfortunately, CodeIgniter Libraries are singletons, so I can't initialize it twice like this:

$this->load->library('Navigation', '', 'main');
$this->load->library('Navigation', '', 'sub');

One potential solution is to use arrays for the variables in the class instead. For example, instead of using $this->option for options, I could dynamically create $this->$option[0], $this->$option[1]. I haven't been able to test this yet, but I'm wondering if it's a viable approach. However, this method isn't very elegant, so I'm wondering if there's a better way to solve this. Is it possible to initialize the library multiple times?

Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.

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Infinite dynamic Multi-level nested category with Codeigniter and MySQL

What did you Try? What did you Get? What did you Expect?

Joined CodeIgniter Community 2009.  ( Skype: insitfx )

Since CodeIgniter libraries are singletons, initializing the library multiple times is not possible. Instead, you could try modifying the build() method to accept a parameter indicating which levels the navigation should hold. This way, you can call the method multiple times with different parameters to generate the separate navigations you need.

Another option is to modify the class to store the navigation data for each level in a separate array or object, rather than a single array. This way, you can generate the separate navigations you need without worrying about conflicting data.

Yes, I understand your concern. Initializing the class with a parameter indicating which levels the navigation should hold might not work as expected because the class data retains the state assigned by the first call to build. Using arrays for the variables in the class is one potential solution, but it may not be the most elegant approach.

Regarding initializing the library multiple times, it depends on the specific library you're using and its implementation. Some libraries may support multiple initializations, while others may not. It's worth exploring the documentation or consulting the library's developer to determine if this is a viable option.

Alternatively, you could consider other design patterns or techniques to address the issue of retaining state in the class. One possibility is to refactor the class to separate the stateful data from the build method and encapsulate it in a separate class or data structure. This way, you can initialize the class multiple times without conflicting state.

Ultimately, the best approach will depend on the specific requirements and constraints of your project. Exploring different options and considering the trade-offs between elegance and functionality will help you find the most suitable solution.