Array Functions

Why Array Helpers Matter

PHP has powerful array helpers that can replace manual loops. They often make code shorter and clearer when used correctly.

array_map (Transform)

array_map transforms each element and returns a new array.

<?php
$numbers = [1, 2, 3];

$squared = array_map(function ($n) {
  return $n * $n;
}, $numbers);

print_r($squared); // [1, 4, 9]

array_filter (Filter)

array_filter keeps elements that pass a condition.

<?php
$items = ['php', '', 'mysql', '   '];

$clean = array_filter($items, function ($v) {
  return trim($v) !== '';
});

print_r(array_values($clean));

array_reduce (Aggregate)

array_reduce reduces an array into a single value (sum, hash, grouping, etc.).

<?php
$prices = [100, 250, 80];

$total = array_reduce($prices, function ($acc, $p) {
  return $acc + $p;
}, 0);

echo $total; // 430

array_column (Pick a Column)

When you have a list of associative arrays (records), array_column can extract a single field efficiently.

<?php
$users = [
  ['id' => 1, 'name' => 'Ozan'],
  ['id' => 2, 'name' => 'Ayse'],
];

$names = array_column($users, 'name');
print_r($names);

Production Tip

Array helpers are great for local transformations. If your callback becomes too complex, move it into a named function for readability and testability.