How to Solve mysqli_fetch_array() and Other MySQLi Problems

Introduction

If you're encountering mysqli problems such as errors like "mysqli_fetch_array(): Argument #1 must be of type mysqli_result" or "Call to a member function bind_param() on a non-object," don't worry. These issues can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can quickly solve them and get your MySQLi queries working properly.

Understanding the Error

First, let's take a closer look at the specific error message you're encountering:

Fatal error: Call to a member function bind_param() on a non-object

This error typically occurs when there is an issue with the MySQLi object, resulting in it being null or not properly initialized.

Possible Causes

There are a few common reasons why you may encounter this error:

  • The MySQLi connection has not been established or has been closed
  • The MySQLi query is incorrect or malformed
  • There is an issue with the MySQLi statement preparation

Solutions

Now that we understand the problem and its possible causes, let's explore some solutions to fix the mysqli_fetch_array() and other MySQLi problems.

1. Check the Connection

Make sure that you have successfully established a connection to your MySQLi database before executing any queries. Here's an example:

<?php
$mysqli = new mysqli('localhost', 'username', 'password', 'database_name');

if ($mysqli->connect_error) {
    die('Connection failed: ' . $mysqli->connect_error);
}

// Proceed with your MySQLi queries
?>

2. Verify the Query

Double-check your MySQLi query to ensure it is correct and properly formatted. Pay attention to any syntax errors or missing elements. Here's an example:

<?php
$query = "SELECT id, description FROM tbl_page_answer_category WHERE cur_own_id = ?";

$stmt = $mysqli->prepare($query);
$stmt->bind_param('i', $cur_id);
$stmt->execute();
$stmt->bind_result($uid, $desc);

// Proceed with fetching the results
?>

3. Validate the Statement

Ensure that the MySQLi statement preparation is successful. If there are any errors or issues with the statement, it could result in the "non-object" error. Here's an example:

<?php
$query = "SELECT id, description FROM tbl_page_answer_category WHERE cur_own_id = ?";

$stmt = $mysqli->prepare($query);

if ($stmt === false) {
    die('Statement preparation failed: ' . $mysqli->error);
}

$stmt->bind_param('i', $cur_id);
$stmt->execute();
$stmt->bind_result($uid, $desc);

// Proceed with fetching the results
?>

Conclusion

By following these solutions, you should be able to resolve the mysqli_fetch_array() and other MySQLi problems you encounter. Remember to always check your connection, verify your queries, and validate the statement preparation. With these steps in mind, you'll be able to successfully work with MySQLi in your PHP applications.