Using node_save in drupal 7 with CCK fields

If you are a Drupal developer, you probably know how to save a node using node_save() function. I am coming across saving node with CCK fields so often. I had no any issue while on the D6. First time on the Drupal 7, it hurt me lot leaving CCK field blank when saving where I used the same technique as D6. It might help some one of you…

Drupal 6 way of saving CCK

$node = new stdClass(); $node->type = 'application'; 
$node->title = $data["reference"]; 
$node->body = $data['summary']; 
$node->field_ja_first_name[0]['value'] = $data["f_name"]; 
$node->field_ja_middle_name[0]['value'] = $data["m_name"]; 
// etc.. 
node_save ($node);

This steps works fine for Drupal 6.

The Drupal 7 version of above script is follow..

$node = new stdClass(); 
$node->type = 'application'; 
$node->title = $data["reference"]; 
$node->body = $data['summary']; 
$node->field_ja_first_name['und'][0]['value'] = $data["f_name"]; 
$node->field_ja_middle_name['und'][0]['value'] = $data["m_name"]; 
// etc.. 
node_save ($node);

If you look at the code, you will find a new array key “und”. Drupal 7 need this to save the custom fields. So what the heck is this “und”. do not jump to google search. This is just language code only..