note 42501 added to language.types.array

Just a question... Why is the array index being converted from a numeric string "8" to an int/long the decided upon behavior? Is there any other way to implement a flexible/variable "struct"-like data structure with the ability to have numeric strings ("8") that aren't converted to ints/longs? This unfortunately is now a serious issue for my company, and I'm pulling out my hair! :( any help/advice? ---- Manual Page -- http://www.php.net/manual/en/language.types.array.php Edit -- http://master.php.net/manage/user-notes.php?action=edit+42501 Delete -- http://master.php.net/manage/user-notes.php?action=delete+42501&report=yes Reject -- http://master.php.net/manage/user-notes.php?action=reject+42501&report=yes Search -- http://master.php.net/manage/user-notes.php