There are three ways to return an array from a function in PHP: one is to directly return a static array, which is suitable for situations where the data volume is small and the structure is fixed, such as return ['red', 'green', 'blue']; the second is to dynamically generate an array and build an array through loop or conditional judgment, such as extracting data from the simulated database results and returning; the third is to simplify the processing of existing array logic in combination with built-in functions such as array_map, such as returning a square array of numbers. Notes include: the default return of the value of the array rather than a reference, avoid returning null but returning an empty array, and PHP 7 recommends using type declarations to improve code security and maintainability.
In PHP, if you want to return an array from a function, the method is actually very simple. PHP functions support direct return of array type data, just follow the array after the return statement.
Here are some common ways and things to note that you may encounter.
Basic usage: return the array directly
This is the most common and easiest way to construct an array directly in the function and return:
function getColors() {
return ['red', 'green', 'blue'];
}After calling this function, you will get an array containing three color values. This method is suitable for situations where the data volume is small and the structure is fixed.
Returns a dynamically generated array
Sometimes you need to dynamically build an array based on certain conditions or data sources. For example, extract data from the database query results to form an array to return:
function getUsers() {
$users = [];
// Simulate database query results $results = [
['id' => 1, 'name' => 'Alice'],
['id' => 2, 'name' => 'Bob']
];
foreach ($results as $row) {
$users[] = $row['name'];
}
return $users;
}This writing approach is closer to actual development scenarios, especially when you need to deal with loops, filtering, or mapping operations.
Use array_map or other functions to help return an array
If you want the code to be more concise, you can also use built-in functions such as array_map to simplify the logic:
function getSquareNumbers($numbers) {
return array_map(fn($n) => $n * $n, $numbers);
}Passing in an array of numbers can return an array of their squared values. In cases like this where existing arrays are processed, using higher-order functions will make the code clearer.
Things to note
- Don't confuse references with values : By default, PHP returns an array in the form of "value", which means that modifications to the array outside the function will not affect the original array.
- Avoid errors when returning empty arrays : If there is no data, remember to return an empty array (
return [];), instead ofnull, which can reduce subsequent judgment errors. - Type declaration (PHP 7) : If you are using PHP 7 and above, it is recommended to add a return type declaration:
function getData(): array {
return ['data'];
}This makes the code safer and easier to maintain.
Basically that's it. Returning the array itself is not complicated, but choosing the right way in different scenarios will make your code clearer and more robust.
The above is the detailed content of How to return an array from a PHP function?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!
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