php mysql loop question

[mgstudent]

Can anyone help? I have a mysql table with the following information:

ID Name Chapter Description
1 uniqueName1 Ch1 Name uniqueDescription1
2 uniqueName2 Ch1 Name uniqueDescription2
3 uniqueName3 Ch1 Name uniqueDescription3
4 uniqueName4 Ch2 Name uniqueDescription4
5 uniqueName5 Ch2 Name uniqueDescription5
6 uniqueName6 Ch3 Name uniqueDescription6
7 uniqueName7 Ch3 Name uniqueDescription7

I have some php loop code which echos the rows in the following format:

1 - uniqueName1 - uniqueDescription1

2 - uniqueName2 - uniqueDescription2

3 - uniqueName3 - uniqueDescription3

4 - uniqueName4 - uniqueDescription4

5 - uniqueName5 - uniqueDescription5

6 - uniqueName6 - uniqueDescription6

7 - uniqueName7 - uniqueDescription7

What I would like to do is to get the Chapter Name above the lines with the same chapter. But not above every line. See below:

Ch1 Name

1 - uniqueName1 - uniqueDescription1

2 - uniqueName2 - uniqueDescription2

3 - uniqueName3 - uniqueDescription3

Ch2 Name

4 - uniqueName4 - uniqueDescription4

5 - uniqueName5 - uniqueDescription5

Ch3 Name

6 - uniqueName6 - uniqueDescription6

7 - uniqueName7 - uniqueDescription7

Do you know how I could edit my loop below:

$query = "SELECT * FROM tbl order by ID ASC";
$result = mysql_query($query) or die(mysql_error());
while($row = mysql_fetch_array($result)) {
echo "<br />";
echo $row['id'];
echo " - ";
echo $row['Name'];
echo " - ";
echo $row['Description'];
echo "<br />";
}

[dncsacnt]

You'll need an extra field for chapter in database, then use a if else within the loop

[mgstudent]

Originally Posted by dncsacnt

You'll need an extra field for chapter in database, then use a if else within the loop

Thanks for your reply dnc. I already have that field in the table (in the database) as shown in the first quote box in my first post.

My problem is that I only want the chapter name to be echoed once above the corresponding lines (but importantly not above each line). That's where I'm having some trouble.

As shown ID 1-3 are all part of chapter1, ID 4-5 are chapter2, ID 6-7 are chapter3 - so in this batch of rows I'd only need 3 chapter headings.

Could you give me an example of an if else which could work to echo the chapter name only once for each group that chapter name?

Many thanks.

[Bob]

Try this:

 $query = "SELECT * FROM tbl order by ID ASC";
$result = mysql_query($query) or die(mysql_error());

$currentChapter = '';  // added line

while($row = mysql_fetch_array($result)) {

if($currentChapter!=$row['Chapter']) {echo "<b><font color='red'>".$row['Chapter']."</font></b><br>";} // added line
$currentChapter=$row['Chapter'];   // added line

echo "<br />";
echo $row['id'];
echo " - ";
echo $row['Name'];
echo " - ";
echo $row['Description'];
echo "<br />";
}

[mgstudent]

Bob - I owe you.

Your method was a really smart solution and I'm grateful for your help. If our paths cross in future and I can help you in some way let me know (you have saved me many hours!)

Thanks again.

[Bob]

Welcome.

When and if we ever cross path, you can buy me a free glass of water.

-Bob

[mgstudent]

My pleasure. I'll buy you 2 !