PHP developers sometimes need to load PostgreSQL table rows from an array using COPY. This comes up when preparing data, displaying results, or integrating information with other services.
The Pdo\\Pgsql::copyFromArray() operation handles this particular task. The following examples show its result, its limitations, and a practical way to apply it.
What Is Pdo\\Pgsql::copyFromArray() in PHP?
Load PostgreSQL table rows from an array using COPY.
Its syntax is:
Pdo\Pgsql::copyFromArray(string $tableName, array $rows, string $separator = "\t", string $nullAs = "\\N", ?string $fields = null): bool
The syntax shows the expected parameters and return type. Arguments marked with an ampersand are passed by reference and may be modified. Optional parameters control additional behavior; values must match the declared types.
Important: Requires the native Pdo\\Pgsql class (PHP 8.4+) and PostgreSQL access. Input strings must match COPY text format; it does not use query placeholders.
Parameters:
$tableName— A named input or configuration argument; use the declared type and optional default shown above.$rows— A named input or configuration argument; use the declared type and optional default shown above.$separator— A named input or configuration argument; use the declared type and optional default shown above.$nullAs— A named input or configuration argument; use the declared type and optional default shown above.$fields— A named input or configuration argument; use the declared type and optional default shown above.
Example 1: Basic Usage
This first example uses a small input to demonstrate the main result of Pdo\\Pgsql::copyFromArray().
<?php
$database = new Pdo\Pgsql("pgsql:host=localhost;dbname=demo", "app", "secret"); $rows = ["1\tMaya", "2\tLina"]; var_dump($database->copyFromArray("people", $rows));
Output: The result depends on an installed extension, an existing file, database records, or a randomly selected order. The code is an illustrative example and requires the environment described below.
The output demonstrates the primary operation: load PostgreSQL table rows from an array using COPY.
Example 2: Understanding Another Case
This second example changes the input or option to reveal a different behavior of Pdo\\Pgsql::copyFromArray().
<?php
$database = new Pdo\Pgsql("pgsql:host=localhost;dbname=demo", "app", "secret"); $rows = ["A-10|12", "A-11|8"]; var_dump($database->copyFromArray("stock", $rows, "|", "NULL", "code,quantity"));
Output: The result depends on an installed extension, an existing file, database records, or a randomly selected order. The code is an illustrative example and requires the environment described below.
Compared with the first example, this one illustrates the same operation with a different input shape or option. Requires the native Pdo\\Pgsql class (PHP 8.4+) and PostgreSQL access. Input strings must match COPY text format; it does not use query placeholders.
Practical Example: A Real Application Scenario
Here is a practical use of Pdo\\Pgsql::copyFromArray() with realistic sample information. Adapt the values to match your application.
<?php
$database = new Pdo\Pgsql("pgsql:host=localhost;dbname=demo", "app", "secret"); $rows = ["100\tfirst", "101\tsecond"]; if (!$database->copyFromArray("imports", $rows, "\t", "\\N", "id,note")) { throw new RuntimeException("COPY failed"); } echo "Imported " . count($rows) . " prepared rows";
Output: The result depends on an installed extension, an existing file, database records, or a randomly selected order. The code is an illustrative example and requires the environment described below.
This is a useful starting point, but production code should check errors and validate values before performing the operation. Requires the native Pdo\\Pgsql class (PHP 8.4+) and PostgreSQL access. Input strings must match COPY text format; it does not use query placeholders.
Important Behavior and Edge Cases
Requires the native Pdo\\Pgsql class (PHP 8.4+) and PostgreSQL access. Input strings must match COPY text format; it does not use query placeholders.
- Input: Use the expected PHP types and validate user-provided values.
- Result: Check the return value separately from any modifications to the input.
- Environment: For extension, database, or filesystem examples, verify availability and handle failures before accessing results.
Comparison With Related Functions
| Function or Approach | When to Use It |
|---|---|
Pdo\\Pgsql::copyFromArray() | Load PostgreSQL table rows from an array using COPY. |
| Related functions | copyToArray() exports COPY output; prepared INSERT statements allow typed values and parameter binding. |
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Correct Approach |
|---|---|
| Assuming Pdo\\Pgsql::copyFromArray() behaves like every similar function | Requires the native Pdo\\Pgsql class (PHP 8.4+) and PostgreSQL access. Input strings must match COPY text format; it does not use query placeholders. |
| Choosing a related operation without checking differences | copyToArray() exports COPY output; prepared INSERT statements allow typed values and parameter binding. |
| Ignoring prerequisites or return values | Verify extensions and data sources, and handle unexpected results explicitly. |
Key Takeaways
Pdo\\Pgsql::copyFromArray()lets you load PostgreSQL table rows from an array using COPY.- Requires the native Pdo\\Pgsql class (PHP 8.4+) and PostgreSQL access. Input strings must match COPY text format; it does not use query placeholders.
- copyToArray() exports COPY output; prepared INSERT statements allow typed values and parameter binding.
- Check input, return values, and environmental requirements when adapting the examples.
Pdo\\Pgsql::copyFromArray() provides a focused PHP operation for load PostgreSQL table rows from an array using COPY. Start with the simple examples, then adapt the practical example with the correct checks for your project.