Understand How PHP Array Works and How to Handle It

As we went through the basics of PHP, we learned about different data types that are used to differentiate variables. One of them is the PHP array.

Unlike the most basic types (strings, integers, floats, and booleans), PHP arrays are considered to be compound variables. They are more complicated because one array can hold multiple different values. Therefore, they are useful for grouping values.

As PHP arrays are more complex than simple scalar data types, we will dedicate a bit more time to them. You will learn how to recognize and handle three different types of arrays, loop through them and use some common PHP array functions.

PHP Array: Main Tips

• Arrays are used to contain more than one value in one variable.
• Arrays allow you to avoid multiple unnecessary variables.
• PHP Arrays index always start at 0.
• There are 3 types of PHP arrays: indexed (numeric), associative (key names instead of index numbers) and multidimensional (contain other arrays).

Most Common Array Functions

First and foremost, you have to know the array() function. It defines the PHP array for a variable:

<?php
   $fruits = array('Banana', 'Cherry', 'Peach');
?>

Then, there is count() function that counts all existing values in the PHP array. It can also be called getting PHP length of the array:

<?php
   $fruits = array('Banana', 'Cherry', 'Peach');
   $array_length = count($fruits);
   echo $array_length;
?>

Indexed Arrays Explained

Indexed arrays are also called numeric (you could say they use integers as keys). Their values are stored in linear order. The index has to start with a zero and can only be a number. However, any type of values can be held.

Going through indexed arrays always requires defining its length. Remember it can always be retrieved using count() function.

<?php
  $fruits = array('Banana', 'Cherry', 'Peach');
  echo $fruits[1];
?>

Learn to Loop Through Arrays

Using PHP arrays, we often have to use loops. They are meant for executing certain statements repeatedly, till the required result shows up. Let's see a few examples to get a better idea how that's done.

Indexed

To go through indexed array with a known length, you should use for loop. Using PHP echo array looping results are outputted to the screen:

<?php
    $fruits = array('Banana', 'Cherry', 'Peach');
    $length = count($fruits);

    for($x = 0; $x < $length; $x++) {
        echo $fruits[$x];
        echo '<br>';
    }
?>

Associative

PHP associative array is different from indexed in that instead of integers it uses strings for keys. There is no linear order, and the developer is free to assign a specific key to any value they stored in the PHP array they created. Again, using PHP echo array loop results are displayed on the screen.

To go through a PHP associative array, you should use foreach loop:

<?php
  $fruits = [
    'Banana' => 13, 
    'Cherry' => 134, 
    'Apple' => 21
  ];
  foreach ($fruits as $x => $x_value) { 
    echo "Key =" . $x . ", Value=" . $x_value;
    echo "<br>";
  }
?>

PHP Array: Summary

• Arrays can be indexed, associative and multidimensional. All are used for holding multiple values in one variable.
• The index of the array must start with a zero.
• To make PHP loop through arrays, for and foreach should be used.