Sorting from a Multi-Dimensional Array!

[Jumpy09]

When I started this I knew it was going to be quite difficult, but as I got further into it... I realized it was just downright evil.

 

Alright so I started with 12 Static Content Boxes populated via a single DB row, but a friend suggested Custom Content Boxes which would allow a user to add information that they could control.  Thanks for a nice XSS preventing script, I can allow some HTML or even allow various different types of custom content boxes.

 

The problem is in the sorting, I decided to go with a Serialized Array which cut out the need for an entire Table, a few columns, and puts the Sorting all in one place.  The Custom Content Box Title, Content, Content Type, and whatnot will go into the MD Array to be populated on a Switch type basis.  In order to do this properly, I have to Nest an additional Switch for the Content Types.. but that isn't much of a concern to me.

 

The problem is I am aiming to allow a user to select 2 or 3 column layout, all depending on what they want.  This is where this turns into a problem, updating the new order / placement is going to be the Nightmare.

 

On a two column you would have left and right divs, the content boxes are done 100% to prevent any hiccups.. but I don't really know how to spit out the stuff properly to go from side to side.

 

I have to put the Switch / Nested Switch into a while, for, or foreach to get the proper order, but when working with a 2 or 3 column layout this becomes problematic.

 

<?php
/*
Layout Array Example
$layoutArray [ "1" ] [ "id" ] = 1 ;
$layoutArray [ "1" ] [ "side" ] = 1 ; \\ 1 for Left , 2 for Right
$layoutArray [ "1" ] [ "order" ] = 1 ; \\ Starting from Right Top to Left Bottom 1 -> #?
// For Custom Content ONLY
$layoutArray [ "13" ] [ "contentTitle" ] = "My Custom Box" ;
$layoutArray [ "13" ] [ "contentType" ] = 1 ; \\ 3 Different Types ATM
$layoutArray [ "13" ] [ "content" ] = "<p>This is my content for my CustomBox</p>";

Static Boxes would take up ID 1 -> 12, and the Custom Boxes would get their ID from the Auto-Increment in it's Table!
*/

/** This is dependent on ordering by Order already! **/
foreach ( $layout as $key1 => $value1 )
{
    foreach ( $value1 as $key2 )
    {
        if ( $key2 [ "side" ] === 1 )
        {
            Switch ( $key2 [ "id" ] )
            {
                case "1":
                // 1 to 12 for Static Content
	break;

	default:
	    Switch ( $key2 [ "contentType" ] )
	    {
		case "2":
		// 2 and 3
		break;

		default:
        	// 1
	    }
	break;
    }
        }
    }
}
?>

 

I would have to do this for both of the 2 column layout and all three of the 3 column layout changing the if $side = # from 1 , 2 , or 3.

 

Anyone know a quicker / better way to do this?  I may have to move to JS to position everything, but that would be a bit obtrusive.  The 1 to 12 content boxes will end up making that a pretty nasty switch, but it is the only way I kind of know how to do it.

 

If there are any mistakes in the code, that is a rough draft.. I have not actually coded the bit of code completely required as I am looking for a more efficient method of doing so.

 

To answer the age old question: Do I absolutely need this?  Not really, but it would be pretty cool to offer my potential users the option to alter how the website looks to them.

[Jumpy09]

I can spot a few minor mistakes in the code, but it is a basic idea of what I am trying to accomplish.  I just don't want to have to repeat going through the Array per column in the layout, but the more I think about it the more I realize I may just have to.

[Jumpy09]

Alright let me change my question!  Is there anything wrong with having 2 or 3 of these type things on a single page?  I want to be as unobtrusive into Javascript as possible, so I think this may be my only method for doing what I am planning.