undefined offset when using php explode()

Question

I've written what I thought was a very simple use of the php explode() function to split a name into forename and surname:

// split name into first and last
$split = explode(' ', $fullname, 2);
$first = $split[0];
$last = $split[1];

However, this is throwing up a php error with the message "Undefined offset: 1". The function still seems to work, but I'd like to clear up whatever is causing the error. I've checked the php manual but their examples use the same syntax as above. I think I understand what an undefined offset is, but I can't see why my code is generating the error!

Answer 1

this is because your fullname doesn't contain a space. You can use a simple trick to make sure the space is always where

 $split = explode(' ', "$fullname ");

(note the space inside the quotes)

BTW, you can use list() function to simplify your code

  list($first, $last) = explode(' ', "$fullname ");

Answer 2

Use array_pad

e.q.: $split = array_pad(explode(' ', $fullname), 2, null);

• explode will split your string into an array without any limits.
• array_pad will fill the exploded array with null values if it has less than 2 entries.

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See array_pad