PHP Option Dropdown set Option to One Stored in DB

Question

I have a PHP form which I use to edit a record in the MySQL data base and it has a drop down list of values I would like to set the option that is held in the database to be the

Answer 1

If it's a small dropdown this is quick and easy

Type: 
                type_id))
                        $tid = $item->type_id;
                    else
                        $tid = 1; // Set this to your preferred default
                ?>
                
                    >Type 1
                    >Type 2
                    >Type 3
                

If it's a bigger dropdown write a php function to create the dropdown using an iterative approach

EDIT * is this right as it is now defaulting to the $tid

                                  
                            
                                    >Scotland
                                    >North West
                                    >North East
                                    >Yorkshire & Humberside
                                    >East Midlands
                                    >East Anglia
                                    >London
                                    >South East
                                    >South West
                                    >Wales
                                    >West Midlands
                                    >Northern Ireland