How to programmatically update the allowed values of a list field?

Question

I have created a select list for a Profile2 account in Drupal 7. In the allowed values list, I have added some values. Now what I would like to do is programmatically update the values in that list (add, delete or update). I don't want to use form_alter as I want these updates committed to the database. My problem is I can't seem to find where these values are stored in the database or how to pull those values from Profile2, update them and then save them.

I have Googled high and low on this particular issue and can't find an answer on how to do this. I hope someone can help me out.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Something along the lines of...

// Get the field info
$info = field_info_field('field_some_field');

// Get a reference to the values
$values = &$info['settings']['allowed_values'];

// Manipulate the values in some way, e.g.
$values['new_value'] = 'New Value';

// Save the field
field_update_field($info);

Answer 2

You'd better use the allowed_values_function with a callback:

'settings' => array(
  'allowed_values' => array(),
  'allowed_values_function' => '_my_feature_module_options_list',
),

See Creating dynamic allowed values options for an entity field.