PHP array_column() Function
Quick summary: The PHP array_column() function returns the values from a single column in the input array.
PHP array_column() Syntax
array_column(array $array, string|int|null $column_key, string|int|null $index_key = null): arrayPHP
PHP array_column() Basic examples
$users = [
['id'=>1,'name'=>'John'],
['id'=>2,'name'=>'Jane']
];
print_r(array_column($users, 'name'));PHP
Output:
Array ( [0] => John [1] => Jane )Extracts a single column from a multi-dimensional array.
print_r(array_column($users, 'name', 'id'));PHP
Output:
Array ( [1] => John [2] => Jane )Uses another column as index.
PHP array_column() Real-world usage
$products = [
['sku'=>'A1','price'=>10],
['sku'=>'B2','price'=>20]
];
$prices = array_column($products, 'price');
print_r($prices);PHP
Output:
Array ( [0] => 10 [1] => 20 )Extract product prices for calculations.
PHP array_column() Edge cases
print_r(array_column($users, 'email'));PHP
Output:
Array ( )Returns empty array if column does not exist.
PHP array_column() Common mistakes
Using on non-array values
array_column() expects an array of arrays.
Incorrect
array_column('string', 'name');Correct
array_column($arrayOfArrays, 'name');Ensure correct data structure before calling.
PHP array_column() Frequently Asked Questions
What does array_column() do?
Returns values from a single column in an array.
Use case of array_column()?
Extracting values from arrays of arrays.
Can use index key?
Yes, optional third parameter.
Common mistake?
Missing key in array.
Handles objects?
Yes.
Performance?
Efficient.
Returns associative array?
If index key provided.
Alternative?
array_map().
Safe?
Yes.
Handles missing keys?
Returns null values.
Best practice?
Validate structure first.
Used in APIs?
Yes.