need an example using php_rand on a multidimensional array please

[silverglade]

Hi, I am trying to get a random monster from my multidimensional "monsters" array. I have array monsters, and inside that I have array "ocean" and inside that are "fish", "shark" etc.

like the below, and I am trying to pick out a random monster from the Ocean array. Any help greatly appreciated. thank you. Derek

 

here is the array

 

$monsters = array
(
'Ocean'=>array
(
	'octalisk'=>array
	(
		'name'=>'octalisk',
		'hp'=>100,
		'damageLow'=>1,
		'damageHigh'=>15,
		'exp'=>10,
		'ac'=>'HAVE TO LOOK THIS UP',
		'monsterInitiativeModifier'=>'HAVE TO LOOK THIS UP'),

	'shark',
	'eel'
),
'Desert'=>array
(
	'sand_snake'
),
'Forest'=>array
(
	'frog',
	'lizard',
	'spider'
)
);

[silverglade]

is this right please?

 

 	$currentMonster = $monsters[array_rand($monsters['Ocean'])];

[Jessica]

is this right please?

 

 	$currentMonster = $monsters[array_rand($monsters['Ocean'])];

Did it work?

[silverglade]

no, it didn't echo out anything.  when I echoed out the variable.

it just outputs "the current monster is ". and doesn't show the value .

 

echo "the current monster is ".$currentMonster;

[silverglade]

ok its bed time.

[jcbones]

Multi- dimensional arrays are a little more difficult to work with in this way.

 

Try something like this:

<?php
$monsters = array
(
   'Ocean'=>array
   (
      'octalisk'=>array
      (
         'name'=>'octalisk',
         'hp'=>100,
         'damageLow'=>1,
         'damageHigh'=>15,
         'exp'=>10,
         'ac'=>'HAVE TO LOOK THIS UP',
         'monsterInitiativeModifier'=>'HAVE TO LOOK THIS UP'),
   
      'shark',
      'eel'
   ),
   'Desert'=>array
   (
      'sand_snake'
   ),
   'Forest'=>array
   (
      'frog',
      'lizard',
      'spider'
   )
);
$random = array_rand($monsters);
$monster = array_rand($monsters[$random]);

if(is_array($monsters[$random][$monster])) {
$currentMonster = $monsters[$random][$monster]['name'];
}
else {
$currentMonster = $monsters[$random][$monster];
}

echo $currentMonster;

?>

[silverglade]

wow thank you so much for your time and that code! I have to admit it's pretty mind boggling even that small bit. LOL! But I'm going to keep looking at it so I understand it. I'm definitely going to try it out so thanks very much!! :D Derek

[silverglade]

HAHAH!! it WORKS!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! wow. you're a guru in my book, I waited pretty long for an answer so THANK YOU!!! awesome. thanks. Derek :D :D

[silverglade]

The code works great, only one problem, it echoes out random monsters from the monsters array, and I wanted it to echo out random monsters from the "Ocean" array that is inside of it, so I can generate random encounters when a person enters a certain habitat. Any more help GREATLY appreciated. Thanks for the code. Derek

[jcbones]

This line gets the random area's

$random = array_rand($monsters);

 

Simply change it to:

$random = 'Ocean';

[silverglade]

haha jcbones you are a coding GENIUS!! this is great, now I can continue making my game. Thank you so much for your time and help. Derek :D :D