PHP Arrays

In PHP, arrays are versatile data structures that allow you to store multiple values in a single variable. They can hold values of different types (strings, integers, objects, even other arrays) and are widely used in web development for handling collections of data.

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🌍 Types of Arrays in PHP

• Indexed Arrays: Use numeric indexes.

$fruits = array("Apple", "Banana", "Cherry");
echo $fruits[1]; // Banana

• Associative Arrays: Use named keys.

$student = array("name" => "Alice", "age" => 22);
echo $student["name"]; // Alice

• Multidimensional Arrays: Arrays containing other arrays.

$matrix = array(
  array(1, 2, 3),
  array(4, 5, 6)
);
echo $matrix[1][2]; // 6

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🛠️ Common PHP Array Functions

Here’s a list of frequently used functions that work on arrays:

• array(): Creates an array.

• array_change_key_case(): Changes all keys to uppercase or lowercase.

• array_chunk(): Splits an array into smaller arrays.

• array_column(): Returns values from a single column.

• array_combine(): Creates an array using one array for keys and another for values.

• array_count_values(): Counts occurrences of values.

• array_diff(): Returns differences between arrays (values only).

• array_diff_assoc(): Returns differences with key-value checks.

• array_diff_key(): Returns differences based on keys.

• array_merge(): Merges multiple arrays.

• array_pop(): Removes and returns the last element.

• array_push(): Adds elements to the end.

• array_shift(): Removes and returns the first element.

• array_unshift(): Adds elements to the beginning.

• array_slice(): Extracts a portion of an array.

• array_splice(): Removes/replaces elements.

• array_unique(): Removes duplicate values.

• in_array(): Checks if a value exists in an array.

• array_key_exists(): Checks if a key exists.

• array_keys(): Returns all keys.

• array_values(): Returns all values.

  W3School PHP GeeksForGeeks

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📖 Conclusion

PHP arrays are flexible and powerful, supporting indexed, associative, and multidimensional structures. With a wide range of built-in functions, developers can manipulate arrays efficiently—whether splitting, merging, filtering, or searching.