Last updated: August 27, 2026.
A PHP array is an ordered map: each value has an integer or string key. The same structure can represent a list, lookup table, or nested collection.
Create and read an indexed array
<?php
$colors = ['red', 'green', 'blue'];
$colors[] = 'orange';
echo $colors[1]; // green
?>Indexed arrays normally begin at key 0. Appending with [] uses the next available integer key.
Use meaningful keys
<?php
$product = [
'name' => 'Mechanical keyboard',
'price' => 89.95,
'in_stock' => true,
];
echo $product['name'];
?>Loop through keys and values
<?php
$stock = [
'keyboard' => 12,
'mouse' => 30,
'monitor' => 8,
];
foreach ($stock as $item => $quantity) {
echo htmlspecialchars($item) . ': ' . $quantity . PHP_EOL;
}
?>Nested arrays
<?php
$orders = [
['id' => 1001, 'total' => 45.50],
['id' => 1002, 'total' => 72.00],
];
echo $orders[1]['total']; // 72
?>Check optional keys with array_key_exists() or the null-coalescing operator before using them. See the PHP array documentation.
