PHP array() Function

last modified March 13, 2025

The PHP array function is used to create arrays. Arrays are essential data structures that store multiple values in a single variable.

Basic Definition

An array in PHP is an ordered map that associates values to keys. The array function creates a new array with optional elements.

Syntax: array(mixed ...$values): array. It accepts any number of comma-separated key => value pairs. Keys can be integers or strings.

Creating a Simple Array

This example demonstrates creating a basic indexed array with numeric keys.

simple_array.php

<?php

$fruits = array("apple", "banana", "orange");

print_r($fruits);

This creates an indexed array with three elements. The print_r function displays the array structure with automatically assigned keys.

Associative Array

Associative arrays use named keys that you assign to values.

associative_array.php

<?php

$person = array(
    "name" => "John",
    "age" => 30,
    "city" => "New York"
);

print_r($person);

This creates an associative array with string keys. Each element is accessed using its key name rather than a numeric index.

Multidimensional Array

Arrays can contain other arrays, creating multidimensional structures.

multidimensional_array.php

<?php

$employees = array(
    array("name" => "John", "position" => "Manager"),
    array("name" => "Sarah", "position" => "Developer"),
    array("name" => "Mike", "position" => "Designer")
);

print_r($employees);

This creates an array of arrays. Each sub-array represents an employee with name and position properties. Useful for complex data organization.

Mixed Key Types

PHP arrays can mix different key types in the same array structure.

mixed_keys.php

<?php

$mixed = array(
    "name" => "Alice",
    1 => "age",
    "1.5" => "height",
    true => "boolean key"
);

print_r($mixed);

This shows how PHP handles different key types. Note how numeric strings and booleans are converted to integers when used as array keys.

Short Array Syntax

PHP 5.4+ supports a shorter syntax using square brackets instead of array().

short_syntax.php

<?php

$colors = ["red", "green", "blue"];
$user = ["name" => "Bob", "email" => "bob@example.com"];

print_r($colors);
print_r($user);

This demonstrates the modern array syntax. It's functionally identical to array but more concise and commonly used in modern PHP code.

Best Practices

Consistency: Stick to one array syntax style per project.
Readability: Use associative arrays for named data.
Performance: Prefer indexed arrays for large datasets.
Documentation: Comment complex array structures.

Source

PHP Arrays Documentation

This tutorial covered the PHP array function with practical examples showing its usage for various array creation scenarios.

Author

My name is Jan Bodnar, and I am a passionate programmer with extensive programming experience. I have been writing programming articles since 2007. To date, I have authored over 1,400 articles and 8 e-books. I possess more than ten years of experience in teaching programming.

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