function to extract key/value pairs?

I've searched and searched for a function to create an array from a
string maintaining key/value pairs and keep coming up blank. This
seems to me that it would be quite commonly used.
>
What I am doing is trying to pass an array using $_GET. To pass the
array, it is rather simple to add it to my get string breaking the
array into key,value,key,value,key,value. The problem is reading it
back into an array. I've tried explode but that places each key and
value as a value in an array. I've tried split and think it might work
except it chokes if there is only one key/value. Is there a function
to do what I want or is there a better way to pass an array?
>
--

I've searched and searched for a function to create an array from a
string maintaining key/value pairs and keep coming up blank. This
seems to me that it would be quite commonly used.
>
What I am doing is trying to pass an array using $_GET. To pass the
array, it is rather simple to add it to my get string breaking the
array into key,value,key,value,key,value. The problem is reading it
back into an array. I've tried explode but that places each key and
value as a value in an array. I've tried split and think it might work
except it chokes if there is only one key/value. Is there a function
to do what I want or is there a better way to pass an array?
>
--
Stan McCann, RETIRED!!, "Uncle Pirate" http://stanmccann.us/
Implementing negative score for googlegroup postings, see
http://blinkynet.net/comp/uip5.html
A zest for living must include a willingness to die. - R.A. Heinlein

Hi Stan --
>
Perhaps you could use a combination of serialize and base64_encode
to solve your problem. The only catch is that encoding strings in
base64 can result in a really long URL and may (ultimately) exceed
some browsers' limits. But if the array you are working with is
relatively small, this solution may be feasible.
>
First serialize your array, then encode it in base64. Send the
encoded string as your GET variable. On the other side, decode the
GET variable, then unserialize it. This should reassemble your
array correctly.
>