Replace multiple values in a variable - php

Question

I'm looking forward a solution to replace multiple values from one of my variable ($type)
This variable can have 34 values (strings).
I would like to find a way to create a new variable ($newtype) containing new strings from the replacement of my $type.
I think using str replace would be a good solution, but the only way I see things is creating a big "If ..." (34 times?) but does not seem the best way..
Thanks in advance for you help.
Best regards.

Answer 1

I would advise against storing a string on multiple values in a variable as it will just get messy!
Store variables in an array in the following way
$type['value1'] = 'cheese';
$type['value2'] = 'ham';
Then if you need to change it you can just do
$type['value2'] = 'chicken';
and you will get (if using print_r)
Array
(
[value1] => cheese
[value2] => chicken
}
This means all your values will be neatly stored next to a relevant key and be easily accessable as part of an individual request
echo $type['value1']
which will echo out
Cheese

Answer 2

You can use preg_replace with arrays:
$from[0]='from1';
$from[1]='from2';
$from[2]='from3';
$to[0]='to1';
$to[1]='to2';
$to[2]='to3';
$newtype=preg_replace($from, $to, $type);
I have never used it like this but the documentation says that you need to use ksort to correctly match the order of the replaces:
$from[0]='from1';
$from[1]='from2';
$from[2]='from3';
$to[0]='to1';
$to[1]='to2';
$to[2]='to3';
ksort($to);
ksort($from);
$newtype=preg_replace($from, $to, $type);