How to Separate a Name into Two Strings?

[Gimple]

Hi again,

 

I'm here with another question...

 

I want to be able to let a user type their full name (first and last, separated by a space obviously), in one input field, then I want my code to separate the first and last name into two different strings when it's executed.

 

Anyone have any idea how I would do that?

Edited May 1, 2017 by Gimple

[benanamen]

Here is one way.

<?php
$name  = "firstname lastname";
$split_names = explode(" ", $name);
echo $split_names[0];
echo $split_names[1];
?>

[Jacques1]

I wouldn't recommend this approach. Human names can be a lot more complex than “Firstname Lastname”, and there are no simple rules for extracting the different parts.

 

Do what everybody does and just use multiple fields. Then the user can decide what goes where, because they surely know best.

[ginerjm]

And what do you do with Ralph Jones Jr. ??

[benanamen]

Actually, the same code I posted would work with that as well. The Jr. would be in $split_names[2]. Explode is splitting on the spaces.  

 

As @Jaques1 said, this is not a good approach. Separate fields is best. I would provide a dropdown for the suffixes as well as the honorifics (Titles).

Edited May 2, 2017 by benanamen

[Gimple]

Thanks Benanamen! Very helpful. I didn't think the solution was going to be only a few lines of short code!

[Psycho]

Thanks Benanamen! Very helpful. I didn't think the solution was going to be only a few lines of short code!

 

Because it isn't. At least that is what a co-worker of mine would say. Her first name is "Jo Ann"

[ginerjm]

My post was sarcastic since your orig. code did not address more than 2 pieces in the array.

 

As was said, the best way is to grab two inputs (first & last) and manage them separately, thus letting the user determine how his/her name will be presented.

[benanamen]

Because it isn't. At least that is what a co-worker of mine would say. Her first name is "Jo Ann"

 

Perfect example why you should use separate fields.