How to Pass an Array into a Function in PHP ?

This article will show you how to pass an array to function in PHP. When working with arrays, it is essential to understand how to pass them into functions for effective code organization and re-usability. This article explores various approaches to pass arrays into PHP functions, covering different methods and scenarios.

Approach 1: Passing by Value

A copy of the array is made when an array is passed to a function by value, and modifications inside the function do not affect the original array.

PHP

<?php

function arrayByValue($arr) {

    // Update the array va;ue
    $arr[0] = 100;

    return $arr;
}

// Driver code
$arr = [1, 2, 3];

$newArr = arrayByValue($arr);

print_r($newArr);

?>

Output

Array
(
    [0] => 100
    [1] => 2
    [2] => 3
)

Approach 2: Passing by Reference

Passing an array by reference allows the function to modify the original array directly.

PHP

<?php

function arrayByReference(&$arr) {

    // Modify the original array
    $arr[0] = 100;
}

// Driver code
$arr = [1, 2, 3];

// Function call
arrayByReference($arr);

print_r($arr);

?>

Output

Array
(
    [0] => 100
    [1] => 2
    [2] => 3
)

Approach 3: Using the func_get_args() Function

If the number of parameters is variable, the func_get_args() function can be used to access all parameters as an array.

PHP

<?php

function processArr() {
    $args = func_get_args();
    print_r($args);
}

// Driver code
processArr(1, 'hello', [3, 4]);

?>

Output

Array
(
    [0] => 1
    [1] => hello
    [2] => Array
        (
            [0] => 3
            [1] => 4
        )
)