How to parse a variable and replace characters with graphics

[Gretsch]

Hi All,
Your help/guidance please.
I have a variable* which I need to parse and replace each character with its corresponding graphic image.

Ideally, its got to be efficient, as actually I have a LOT of varibles to parse ;-).
I realize I could use an embedded font, but I want to avoid browser security issues for visitor. {oh, & I haven't got/used a font editor before :-}

Nb The variables only contains digits "1" to "9" + "," (ie 1000s separator)

Thanks.

[pbmods]

Heya, Gretsch.

The easy way to do it is to create a graphic file for each character and name it 1.jpg, 2.jpg ... ,.jpg.

Then simply:
[code=php]
$str = preg_replace('/[\\d,]/', '<img src="path/to/\\0.jpg" alt="\\0" />', $str);
[/code]

Note the '\\0's in the replacement string; these tell preg_replace() to insert whatever it matched into the src and alt attributes.

[Gretsch]

Thanks,

I see you've called the code PHP.

For reasons too complicated to type ;-).... I have to do it client side. Is the syntax/effect exacly the same in Javascript?

[pbmods]

Heya, Gretsch.

Good thing I'm on top of these things :P

In JavaScript, the syntax would be similar, but you'll need to do things a wee bit differently:
[code=javascript]
document.getEle mentById('where TheNumbersGo'). innerHTML = str.replace(/[\d,]/, '<img src="path/to/\\0.jpg" alt="\\0" />');
[/code]

[Gretsch]

Brilliant, thanks very much 4 your help.
This really is a great forum.

[pbmods]

Heya, Gretsch.

Good luck with your project, and if you ever need anything, post back anytime :)