Variable variable within mysql query?

[morocco-iceberg]

I just need to know the correct syntax for using a variable variable within a mysql query. At the current time I have this:

 

$sql = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM $table WHERE start = '{$'q'.$counter}' AND answer = '{$'q'.$counter}'") or die($error);

[PFMaBiSmAd]

You do realize that if you used an array, the syntax would be easier to figure out and it would be quicker -

 

If $q is an array so that the values are $q[0], $q[1], $q[2], you would use '{$q[$counter]}' to reference them in the query.

[morocco-iceberg]

Oh, well that seems much more sensible (its 5:30am and I haven't slept). Thanks!

[PFMaBiSmAd]

Not to mention that setting or referencing an array variable is 3x faster than using a variable-variable. Also with arrays, you can use array functions, such as foreach() and count() so that you don't need to keep track of how many of or what the names of the variable-variables are.