How to Print Array in PHP?

What is an Array?

An array in PHP is a special variable that can simultaneously store more than one value. The array()  function is used to create an array in PHP. Three types of arrays are there in PHP, and that is 

• Indexed arrays - Arrays where values have a numeric index
• Multidimensional arrays - Where the array contains one or more arrays
• Associative arrays - Arrays where values have named keys

Example

In this section, we will see different types of arrays which can be declared in PHP.

Simple Array

$subjects = array("0"=>"maths","1"=> "english","2"=> "science","3"=> "hindi"); /* here index are numeric starting from 0*/

You can also try this code with Online PHP Compiler

Run Code

The output will look something like this -

Multidimensional Array

$subjects = array("0"=>"maths","1"=> "english","2"=> array("physics","chemistry", "biology"),"3"=> "hindi"); /* here the key 2 has value as array */

You can also try this code with Online PHP Compiler

Run Code

The output will look something like this -

Note - When you don't define any key to the values of the array, by default, the key is numeric and starts from 0.

Associative Array

$subjects = array("one"=>"maths","two"=> "english","science"=> array("physics","chemistry", "biology"),"four"=> "hindi"); /* the keys in this example are strings/ named */

You can also try this code with Online PHP Compiler

Run Code

The output will look something like this -

For now, you don't have to worry about printing an array. Because soon we will learn how to print array in PHP.

Are you clear with the concept of arrays in PHP? Nice! Let’s move further and learn how we can print array in PHP.

What is print_r() Function?

Using the print_r function, we can print human-readable information about a variable. In other words, PHP's print_r() function is used to print the value stored in a variable. We can also use this function to print an array. This function prints all the values of the given array with their index number.

Syntax

print_r($varName, $boolVar)

Explanation

The print_r() of PHP has two parameters, as you can see above. The first parameter, $varName, is required, and the mandatory parameter as its value will be printed. The second parameter, $boolVar, is optional. The value of the second parameter is false by default and is used to store the output of the print_r()  function. If you enter the value of $boolVar as true, it will return the value which s to be returned. 

<?php
/* Here we are declaring an array */
$subjects = array("maths", "english", "science", "hindi");
/*  now we are printing the array using print_r() function */
var_dump($subjects);
?>

You can also try this code with Online PHP Compiler

Run Code

Output

Array
(
    [0] => maths
    [1] => english
    [2] => science
    [3] => hindi
)

Good Job! You have come so far and learned one method to print an array in PHP. Now we'll see one more method to print array in PHP.

What is the var_dump() Function?

The second function we use to print array is var_dump(). Let’s learn about this function in this section.

For printing the details of any variable or expression, we use the var_dump() function. This function also prints the array’s values with its index value, the data type of each element, and the length of each element. This function provides structured information about an array or variable.

Syntax

var_dump($varName)

Explanation

The var_dump() only takes one parameter, $varName, and returns the variable’s structured information.

<?php
/* Here we are declaring an array */
$subjects = array("maths", "english", "science", "hindi");
/*  now we are printing the array using print_r() function */
var_dump($subjects);
?>

You can also try this code with Online PHP Compiler

Run Code

Output

array(4) (
  [0]=>
  string(5) "maths"
  [1]=>
  string(7) "english"
  [2]=>
  string(7) "science"
  [3]=>
  string() "hindi"
)

We hope you have understood everything about how to print array in PHP. 🙌🥳
Check out this problem - Maximum Product Subarray

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PHP?

PHP is an acronym for "Hypertext preprocessor." Earlier, PHP was abbreviated as a personal home page.

What is the print_() Keyword?

PHP's print_r() function prints the value stored in a variable. We can also use this function to print an array. 

What is the var_dump() Keyword?

For printing the details of any variable or expression, we use the var_dump() function. This function also prints the array’s values with its index value, the data type of each element, and the length of each element. 

What are Variables?

Variables are used to store data. In PHP, the sign $  for declaring a variable is followed by the variable's name.

What is an Array?

An array in PHP is a special variable that can simultaneously store more than one value. The array()  function is used to create an array in PHP. 

Conclusion

In this blog, we saw how to print array in PHP, but before that, we will learn what print_r(), var_dump(), variables, and array are and if you would like to learn more, check out our articles on

• PHP Introduction
• Array push in PHP
• Introduction to OOP in PHP
• PHP date and time
• PHP Arrays

Recommended problems -

• Maximum sum subarray of size k
• Max circular subarray sum
• Subarray sums divisible by k
• Shortest subarray with sum at least k

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Happy Learning Ninja! 🥷