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PHP Create Arrays

~1 min read · PHP
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You can create arrays in a variety of ways. Arrays are essential data structures for grouping multiple values in a single variable.


Create Array


Using the array() function:

Example
<pre>
<?php
$fruits = array("Apple", "Banana", "Cherry");
var_dump($fruits);
?>
</pre>
Try it yourself

Using short array syntax ([ ]):


You can also use a shorter syntax by using the [] brackets:

Example
<pre>
<?php
$fruits = ["Apple", "Banana", "Cherry"];
var_dump($fruits);
?>
</pre>
Try it yourself

Array Keys


When creating indexed arrays the keys are given automatically to store values, starting at 0 and increased by 1 for each item, so the array above could also be created with keys:

Example
<pre>
<?php
$cars = [
0 => "Volvo",
1 => "BMW",
2 =>"Toyota"
];

var_dump($cars);
?>
</pre>
Try it yourself

As you can see, indexed arrays are the same as associative arrays, but associative arrays uses custom keys (which can be strings or integers) to store values:

Example
<pre>
<?php
$person = array(
"name" => "John",
"age" => 25,
"city" => "New York"
);
var_dump($person);
?>
</pre>
Try it yourself

Creating an Empty Array


You can also create an empty array and add elements to it later.

Example
<pre>
<?php
$emptyArray = [];
$emptyArray[] = "Item 1";
$emptyArray[] = "Item 2";

var_dump($emptyArray);
?>
</pre>
Try it yourself

The same goes for associative arrays, you can declare the array first, and then add items to it:

Example
<pre>
<?php
$student = [];
$student["name"] = "Alice";
$student["age"] = 22;
$student["major"] = "Computer Science";

var_dump($student);
?>
</pre>
Try it yourself

Note

Array can have both indexed and named keys.


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