db query in codeigniter active record returing object - database

Question

I'm trying to pull a column out of the database, simple enough right? I'm using codeigniter's active record.
My Model Function
public function getcolumn($field, $table, $kfield, $key)
{
$this->db->select($field);
$this->db->from($table);
$this->db->where($kfield, $key);
$query = $this->db->get();
$results = $query->result();
return $results;
}
My Controller has:
public function users()
{
$body['handle'] = $this->admin->getcolumn('handle', 'users', 'userid', $userid)
$this->load->view('template/header');
$this->load->view('admin/users', $body);
$this->load->view('template/footer');
}
now when I print_r that variable in my view I get "Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [handle] => Zanigade ) ) "
Since I'm trying to use this function as a global "grab and go" function without writing a ton of functions, why won't it just return the name? What am I doing wrong? I've been playing with the output for 3 hours and I know this is a stupid easy fix and I'm just missing the mark.
Any help will be appreciated.

Answer 1

Put it all together using the "chaining" capability like so
$results = this->db->get()->row()->$field;
We get() one row() which (should) contain a field named $field.

Answer 2

It seems you are returning the result instead of single row, try this
public function getcolumn($field, $table, $kfield, $key)
{
$this->db->select($field);
$this->db->from($table);
$this->db->where($kfield, $key);
$query = $this->db->get();
return $query->row()->$field;
}
For More Information, Check the codeigniter user guide
https://www.codeigniter.com/userguide3/database/examples.html