PHP Indexed Arrays

Arrays in PHP let you store multiple values in a single variable. An indexed array uses numeric keys (starting from 0) to store elements. Let’s explore how to create, access, and manipulate indexed arrays! 🚀

🔹 Creating an Indexed Array

Here’s how to create a simple indexed array:

<?php
// Creating an indexed array
$fruits = array("Apple", "Banana", "Cherry");

// Displaying an element
echo $fruits[0]; // Outputs: Apple
?>

Explanation:

• $fruits[0] → First item (“Apple”).
• $fruits[1] → Second item (“Banana”).
• $fruits[2] → Third item (“Cherry”).

🔹 Adding & Modifying Elements

You can add new items by assigning a value to the next index.

<?php
$colors = array("Red", "Green", "Blue");

// Adding a new element
$colors[] = "Yellow";

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

print_r($colors);
?>

Output: Array ( [0] => Red, [1] => Purple, [2] => Blue, [3] => Yellow )

🔹 Looping Through an Indexed Array

Use a foreach loop to iterate over the array.

<?php
$animals = array("Dog", "Cat", "Elephant");

foreach ($animals as $animal) {
    echo "I love $animal! <br>";
}
?>

Output:

I love Dog!
I love Cat!
I love Elephant!

🔹 Counting Elements in an Array

Use count() to find the number of items in an array.

<?php
$cars = array("BMW", "Toyota", "Honda");

echo "Total cars: " . count($cars);
?>

Output: Total cars: 3

🔹 Sorting an Indexed Array

You can sort arrays alphabetically or numerically using sort().

<?php
$numbers = array(42, 15, 8, 99);
sort($numbers);

print_r($numbers);
?>

Output: Array ( [0] => 8, [1] => 15, [2] => 42, [3] => 99 )

🎯 Key Takeaways

• An indexed array stores multiple values using numeric keys.
• Elements can be added, modified, and removed dynamically.
• Use foreach to loop through the array.
• Use count() to get the number of elements.
• Sort arrays with sort() for ordered lists.

📝 Practice Time!

Try creating your own array of favorite movies, superheroes, or pizza toppings! 🍕