[SOLVED] Split only first part of a string

[techtheatre]

I have a variable that contains all the possible options for order status, each separated with the pipe "|" character.  The status contains characters and spaces.  An example is below.

 

I am trying to ONLY get the first option (everything up to the first pipe character...not including the pipe).  I have written the code below as a first attempt, but am sure that there is a MUCH better way to do this.  Thanks.

 

$OrderStatusTypes = "Awaiting Confirmation|Processing|Shipped|Cancelled";

 

$StatusArray = split('[|]', $OrderStatusTypes);
$DefaultStatus = $StatusArray[0];

 

I want the value of $DefaultStatus to be Awaiting Confirmation (though this will change if the variable is changed.

[techtheatre]

I have found a temporary solution, but there is probably a more efficient method...here is what i am using (it works) at the moment...let me know if there is a more elegant way to do this.

$OrderStatusTypes = "Awaiting Confirmation|Processing|Shipped|Cancelled";	

$StatusArray = explode("|", $OrderStatusTypes);
echo "DEFAULT STATUS: ".$StatusArray['0'];

[effigy]

Why not use an array?

[techtheatre]

That is what i have done already...i thought there might be a better way.  If not then i will mark this as solved, but i am waiting to see if anyone knows a more direct approach...this method has two parts and ends up with a left-over array that is unused after one line fo code...so it seems that there might be a way to do it without the "scraps"...  The array approach certainly works and is what i have implimented in the meantime...  If this really is the best option, let me know and i will close this post.

[effigy]

An array should be the best fit when working with a list of items. I can't advise further without knowing the bigger picture.