Php array with examples

If you’re just starting your journey into programming and php array, this guide will introduce you to the basics of arrays, different array types, and provide you with code examples to solidify your understanding.

1. Indexed Arrays: These are simple lists of values with numeric indices.
2. Associative Arrays: These use named keys to associate values with specific identifiers.
3. Multidimensional Arrays: Arrays that contain other arrays, creating a hierarchical structure.

Indexed arrays are like numbered shelves where each value is placed at a specific position:

// Creating an indexed array
$fruits = array("apple", "banana", "orange");

// Accessing array elements
echo $fruits[0]; // Output: apple
echo $fruits[1]; // Output: banana
echo $fruits[2]; // Output: orange

Associative arrays use named keys to access elements. They are useful when you want to associate values with specific keys:

// Creating an associative array
$student = array(
    "name" => "John",
    "age" => 20,
    "grade" => "A"
);

// Accessing array elements using keys
echo $student["name"]; // Output: John
echo $student["age"];  // Output: 20
echo $student["grade"];// Output: A

Multidimensional arrays can be thought of as arrays within arrays, creating a table-like structure:

// Creating a multidimensional array
$matrix = array(
    array(1, 2, 3),
    array(4, 5, 6),
    array(7, 8, 9)
);

// Accessing array elements using indices
echo $matrix[0][0]; // Output: 1
echo $matrix[1][1]; // Output: 5
echo $matrix[2][2]; // Output: 9

You can easily add or change array elements:

$colors = array("red", "green", "blue");

// Adding an element
$colors[] = "yellow";

// Modifying an element
$colors[1] = "purple";

Loops help you navigate through array elements. The foreach loop is a common choice:

$numbers = array(1, 2, 3, 4, 5);

foreach ($numbers as $number) {
    echo $number . " ";
}
// Output: 1 2 3 4 5

Conclusion:

Arrays are like versatile containers that PHP provides for organizing data. By grasping the basics of indexed, associative, and multidimensional arrays, as well as understanding how to add, modify, and loop through elements, you’re laying a strong foundation for PHP programming. With continuous practice and exploration, you’ll be well on your way to building applications that wield the power of arrays effectively, making your code organized and dynamic.