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Weird kind of data storage
#1

[eluser]codex[/eluser]
In the EE-core database I see there's data being stored as (something like)
Code:
a:1:{i:0;a:9:{s:8:"username";s:5:"edd";s:8:"password";s:32:"100cbe9b3aeaeeb2836384185cf96a27";s:4:"salt";s:32:"703f004209cc5f1d1d1133a9d0fd5bc6";s:5:"email";s:13:"[email protected]";s:9:"userlevel";i:4;s:8:"nickname";s:7:"coderd";s:8:"language";s:2:"nl";s:15:"text_processing";s:1:"5";s:8:"lastseen";i:1208909690;}}

What is it and what is the purpose or advantage of storing data like this?
#2

[eluser]wiredesignz[/eluser]
It's a serialised array or object, you can unserialise it back to its original form.
#3

[eluser]codex[/eluser]
[quote author="wiredesignz" date="1209110805"]It's a serialised array or object, you can unserialise it back to its orignal form.[/quote]

Ah, that's what I kinda thought.

The data in question are stored preferences. I think I may be giving the answer myself, but could it be that the data is stored as a serialized string to prevent having to put in all fields into the database? I mean, instead of creating a field for each preference you now just have one that holds a serialized array of prefs.

Am I close?
#4

[eluser]wiredesignz[/eluser]
Yep, sounds like a plan.
#5

[eluser]webthink[/eluser]
Quote:instead of creating a field for each preference you now just have one that holds a serialized array of prefs.

Exactly. Serialization allows you to store arrays as simple strings. Suits session storage perfectly.
#6

[eluser]codex[/eluser]
You learn something new every day :-)

Thanks guys!
#7

[eluser]webthink[/eluser]
just re-read my last post... holy alliteration!

Quote:Serialization stores simple strings. Suits session storage.

say that 5 times fast!
#8

[eluser]codex[/eluser]
[quote author="webthink" date="1209140087"]just re-read my last post... holy alliteration!

Quote:Serialization stores simple strings. Suits session storage.

say that 5 times fast![/quote]

Code:
$say_this = 'Serialization stores simple strings. Suits session storage.';
            
for ($i=0;$i<5;$i++) {    
    echo $say_this;
    }

;-)




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