How can I convert an array into a CSV file in PHP?

Convert Array into CSV: A Comprehensive Guide

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a widely used format for storing tabular data. Converting an array into a CSV file allows for easy data transfer and analysis. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to accomplish this conversion.

The Array

Consider the following stdClass Object array:

stdClass Object
(

    [OrderList_RetrieveByContactResult] => stdClass Object
        (
            [OrderDetails] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [entityId] => 1025298
                    [orderId] => 10952
                    [... various properties ...]
                )

        )

)

Conversion Function

To convert the array into CSV, we can use a helper function that encapsulates the logic. Here's an example function:

/**
 * Formats a line (passed as a fields  array) as CSV and returns the CSV as a string.
 * Adapted from http://us3.php.net/manual/en/function.fputcsv.php#87120
 */
function arrayToCsv( array &$fields, $delimiter = ';', $enclosure = '"', $encloseAll = false, $nullToMysqlNull = false ) {
    $delimiter_esc = preg_quote($delimiter, '/');
    $enclosure_esc = preg_quote($enclosure, '/');

    $output = array();
    foreach ( $fields as $field ) {
        if ($field === null && $nullToMysqlNull) {
            $output[] = 'NULL';
            continue;
        }

        // Enclose fields containing $delimiter, $enclosure or whitespace
        if ( $encloseAll || preg_match( "/(?:${delimiter_esc}|${enclosure_esc}|\s)/", $field ) ) {
            $output[] = $enclosure . str_replace($enclosure, $enclosure . $enclosure, $field) . $enclosure;
        }
        else {
            $output[] = $field;
        }
    }

    return implode( $delimiter, $output );
}

This function takes an array, delimiter, and enclosure characters as inputs. It processes each field in the array, enclosing fields that contain special characters. Finally, it formats the fields as a CSV string and returns it.

Applying the Conversion

To convert our sample array, we can call the arrayToCsv function:

$fields = [$array->OrderList_RetrieveByContactResult->OrderDetails];
$csv = arrayToCsv($fields);

The $csv variable now contains the converted CSV data. You can save it to a file or use it for further processing.

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