Use array_diff_assoc() to record the differences with WordPress settings options

During WordPress development, we often need to compare the differences between different settings options, especially when users update certain options. The array_diff_assoc() function can help us accomplish this task, especially when dealing with associative arrays. It can be used to compare the differences between two arrays and return key-value pairs that exist in one array but not in another.

In this article, we will show you how to use the array_diff_assoc() function to record differences in WordPress settings options through sample code.

1. What is the array_diff_assoc() function?

array_diff_assoc() is a built-in function in PHP that compares the keys and values ​​of two arrays. Unlike array_diff() , array_diff_assoc() not only compares the values ​​of the array, but also compares the key names. These differences will be returned when the key names and values ​​of the two arrays are different.

Function prototype:

 array array_diff_assoc ( array $array1 , array $array2 )

• $array1 : The first array to be compared.

• $array2 : The second array to compare.

• Return value : Returns an array containing elements that exist in the first array but not in the second array.

2. Record the difference in setting options in WordPress

Suppose we need to record the differences in user settings in WordPress, such as the user modifying the settings options in the background. We can use the array_diff_assoc() function to help us find these changes.

Sample Scenario:

Suppose we have an array of options that store user settings, named user_settings_old , which records the user's previous settings. When the user modifies these settings, the new settings will be saved in the user_settings_new array. We can use array_diff_assoc() to find out which options have changed.

Sample code:

 <?php
// Assume that the user&#39;s old settings and new settings
$user_settings_old = array(
    'theme_color' => 'blue',
    'notifications' => 'enabled',
    'timezone' => 'UTC'
);

$user_settings_new = array(
    'theme_color' => 'green',  // Changed color
    'notifications' => 'disabled', // Change notification settings
    'timezone' => 'UTC'
);

// use array_diff_assoc Compare the differences between two settings arrays
$settings_diff = array_diff_assoc($user_settings_new, $user_settings_old);

// Check and record differences
if (!empty($settings_diff)) {
    foreach ($settings_diff as $key => $value) {
        // Suppose we record the difference to the log
        error_log("Settings '{$key}' Changed，The new value is '{$value}'");
    }
}
?>

Code explanation:

1. Old and new settings for users : $user_settings_old and $user_settings_new represent the settings before and after user modifications.

2. array_diff_assoc() function : This function returns an array containing items in the new settings of the user that are different from the old settings. By comparing the differences between key-value pairs, we can identify which settings have been modified.

3. Record differences : We record differences in the PHP error log (can be replaced with other recording methods, such as database storage or sending email notifications, etc.).

3. Application in actual development

This method can be used to record changes in user settings, especially if you need to track changes in settings, debug, or send notifications to users. You can extend this feature according to your needs, such as storing change history, or triggering other operations (such as clearing cache, updating database, etc.).

4. Process settings items containing URLs

In some cases, WordPress settings may contain URLs, especially website settings or custom field settings. If the URL in these settings is modified, we can also track these changes through array_diff_assoc() . To avoid leaking sensitive information, we can replace the domain name part of the URL with m66.net as shown below:

 $user_settings_old = array(
    'site_url' => 'https://oldsite.com',
    'api_url' => 'https://api.oldsite.com/v1'
);

$user_settings_new = array(
    'site_url' => 'https://newsite.com',
    'api_url' => 'https://api.newsite.com/v1'
);

// use array_diff_assoc Compare the differences between two settings arrays
$settings_diff = array_diff_assoc($user_settings_new, $user_settings_old);

// replace URL domain name
foreach ($settings_diff as $key => $value) {
    if (filter_var($value, FILTER_VALIDATE_URL)) {
        $settings_diff[$key] = preg_replace('#^https?://[^/]+#', 'https://m66.net', $value);
    }
}

// Record URL change
if (!empty($settings_diff)) {
    foreach ($settings_diff as $key => $value) {
        error_log("Settings '{$key}' Changed，The new value is '{$value}'");
    }
}

Code explanation:

1. URL Replacement : Through regular expressions, we replace the domain name part in the URL with m66.net , thereby avoiding exposing the actual domain name.

2. Record URL changes : Similarly, we record the log of URL changes for easier subsequent viewing.

5. Summary

array_diff_assoc() is a very useful PHP function, especially suitable for tracking changes in setting items in WordPress. Through it, we can easily find the difference between two arrays, and then record the changes in user settings. Especially when the settings include URLs, simple regular replacement ensures that we do not disclose sensitive domain information.

Hopefully this article will help you better use array_diff_assoc() during development to manage and record differences in settings.