How to Create an Array in PHP?

Problem:

You’re looking for a way to create an array.

Solution:

There are two ways you can create an array in PHP.

Method 1: Using array() function

The syntax for creating an array using array() is-

$array_name = array(“index1”=>”value1”, “index2”=>”value2”…);

Here, $array_name is the array name. value1, value2 are the values of the array.
Here, index could be either of string type or integer type.
Indexes are optional. If you don’t mention it, an integer indexes will automatically be generated which increments by 1.

Example 1-

<?php
$week_days = array(“Sunday”, “Monday”, “Tuesday”, “Wednesday”, “Thursday”, “Friday”, “Saturday”);
?>

Here , the array name is $week_days and there are 7 values in it. As we’ve not mentioned the indexes, an auto generating (also auto incrementing by 1) integer indexes have been set. So, index for “Sunday” is 0 and index for “Saturday” is 6.

Example 2-

<?php
$employees = array(“Name” => “John Smith”, “Profession”=>”Web Developer”, “Age” => 28);
?>

Here, the $employees array has string type indexes.

Method 2: Using short array syntax

From PHP 5.4, short array syntax has been introduced. Its syntax is as follows-

$array_name = [
              key1 => value1,
              key2 => value2,
              ---
);

Here, key1, key2 are optional. Omitting the indexes will introduce auto generated integer indexes.

Example

$week_days = [
             0 => “Sunday”,
             1 => “Monday”,
             2 => “Tuesday”
             ];

Method 3: Using [] identifier

The syntax for creating an array using [] identifier is-

$array_name[key] = value;

Here, key is optional. If you don’t mention it, an auto generating integer indexes will be generated.

Example

<?php
$employee[“Name”] = “John Smith”;
$employee[“Profession”] = “Web Developer”;
$employee[“Age”] = 28;
?>