[Resolved] How to update a field with multiple values (repeating field) using PHP

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[rameshP]

I am trying to save multiple data in one custom field (numbers). I create the field 'tag-id' choose the option 'Allow multiple-instances of this field'.

I want to save these data using function so I tried this

		$poddata = Array(1,2);
		update_post_meta( $topic_id, 'wpcf-tag-id', $poddata );

If I add single value then it works. But using array it's not working. It shows me 'array' word in the field. I visited this topic - https://toolset.com/forums/topic/gravityforms-checkbox-values-not-passed-to-custom-fields-checkboxes/ - But I didn't understand anything.

can anyone help me with it?

Thank you

[Beda]

A repeating Types field is stored as this in the Database:

1. One entry each value
2. An entry for the sort order of the repeating values.

Let's say you have one repeating field, with 2 values (value_one and value_two), then in the DDBB you will have:
value_one:
meta_id: 236, post_id: 52, meta_key: wpcf-repeating-field

value_two:
meta_id: 237, post_id: 52, meta_key: wpcf-repeating-field

sort order for above two values:
meta_id: 238, post_id: 52, meta_key: _wpcf-repeating-field-sort-order
(this is a serialized array: a:2:{i:0;i:236;i:1;i:237;})

As you see when you update a Custom Field that is repeating, you need to pass the values and the sort order.
You need to update the single values in a Foreach, and then update the order outside that foreach.

I can not help you to build the given array coming from another plugin, but I could show you how this is done with a repeating Field updating another repeating field.

How to get the Field from the Database:

//We are taking out a Repeating Field (Single Line) of possible items 
//This will give us an Array() of Possible Items of the repeating field
$field_content = get_post_meta($single_post_id, 'wpcf-field-repeating');

//We also need the hidden field for the above repeating Field (_wpcf-field-repeating-sort-order)
$sort_order_repeating = get_post_meta($single_post_id, '_wpcf-field-repeating-sort-order', true);

How to update another Field with above:

//go over all repeating fields values  (possible items)
foreach ($field_content as $field_content_single ) {

//create a new $variable with single Question post Object
$single_value = $field_content_single;

//add/update the repeating possible Items
add_post_meta($new_post_id, 'wpcf-field-repeating', $single_value);
}
//update the order of those repeating fields
update_post_meta($new_post_id, '_wpcf-field-repeating-sort-order', $sort_order_repeating);

[rameshP]

Now I understand it.

Thank You so much for help Beda.

I updated my code to this to save multiple data in one custom field.

		$poddata = array(3,5,4);	
		foreach ($poddata as $field_content_single ) {
		$single_value = $field_content_single;
		add_post_meta($topic_id, 'wpcf-tag-id', $single_value);
		update_post_meta($topic_id, '_wpcf-tag-id-sort-order', $sort_order_repeating);
		}