using arrays from one file in nested functions in another file - php

Question

I have a PHP file which contains associative arrays. I have them all in one file for ease of editing/updating. For example:
$ass_first = array( "title"=>"Title",
"first_name"=>"First Name",
"surname"=>"Surname",
"phone"=>"Phone Number",
"email"=>"Email Address",
"add1"=>"House Name/Number",
"add2"=>"Street",
"add3"=>"Town",
"add4"=>"City",
"add5"=>"Post Code"
);
In another file, I have functions which are passed variables, which in turn call other functions.
For example I have a function which is called to create a table containing form inputs. Inside this function, there is a test to see what form input is needed and the necessary function is called.
function create_table($titles, $id) { //$titles is the relevant array from lists.php, $id is the id of the containing div
$select = array('timescale','bus_route','train_stat'); //'select' id list
foreach ($titles as $k=>$v) { //$k is the database/id/name $v is the description text
if (in_array($k,$select)){
select_box($k,$v);
}
else if //input is a text area
text_box($k,$v);
}
else{ //input is a checkbox
check_box($k,$v);
}
}
}
Inside these three 'nestled functions' I want to refer to some arrays contained in the lists.php file.
I want to know the best way to add these arrays to the functions scope. I have been told variable variables arent neccessarily the best way to go, neither is declaring global variables. I cant think of any other way to do it!
Also passing them as a variable into the functions isnt really an option because the three different nestled functions need a different set of arrays meaning three sets of arrays will be passed but only one would be used at any one time!

Answer 1

You can pass the arrays to your create_table function:
function create_table($titles, $id, $arrays) {
...
}
You can go ahead and use a global variable, maybe add a comment above it saying what file sets the variable:
function create_table($titles, $id) {
//$arrays gets set in lists.php
global $arrays;
...
}
Or you can require your lists.php file like so:
function create_table($titles, $id) {
require 'lists.php';
...
}