if ($data1 == 0) {                                    "$data1 = $buffer2[0]"};
if ($data2 == 0) {} elseif  ($data1 == [0]) { "$data2 = $buffer2[1]"};
if ($data3 == 0) {} elseif  ($data2 == [0]) { "$data3 = $buffer2[2]"};

its been a few hours of trying every combination of quotes and )( i dont see it

To begin with, you need to use spaces and tabs in your if statements:

PHP Code:

if(condition)
{
     //code here
}
else if(other condition)
{
     //code here
} 


What do you expect

PHP Code:

"$data1 = $buffer2[0]" 


to do? It looks like you are trying to perform an assignment, but there is no reason for there to be quotes. Also, each of those expressions must end with a semicolon.

Why do you have if statements with empty bodies (ie {} )? In the case above removing the else from the following elseif statement will have the same effect.

You don't need to end your if/elseif blocks with a semicolon. Individual expressions however must end with a semicolon.

I would use a switch if I needed this done. (php.net)

There are a lot of errors here and i'm not sure what you're trying to do.

PHP Code:

<?php
    
if ($data1 == 0) 
{                                    
    $data1 = $buffer2[0];
}

if ($data2 == 0) 
{
    // do nothing
}
else if($data1 == 0) 
{ 
    $data2 = $buffer2[1];
}

if ($data3 == 0) 
{
    // do nothing
} 
else if($data2 == 0) 
{ 
    $data3 = $buffer2[2];
}

?>

I had to rewrite the code to remove the syntax errors.

i wasn't really too sure what you wanted.. maybe if you explain what you want to do, i can be of more help.

Thanks