Passing an array to a C program from a php script??

Hi all, I have a big array (nearly 1000 lines) that I would like to pass to a C program. I don't want to create a temporary file to pass my array (If possible ?!?), and I don't think the command line will fit my needs. Is there a way to execute a program with a php string as the standard input. Something like shell redirection 'c_program < input.file' but with input.file being a php variable and not a real file ?? Any other solution ?? Hope I am clear enough ! Any help would be appreciated. Nicolas --