PHP array_find() Function
Quick summary: The PHP array_find() function returns the first element that satisfies a given callback.
PHP array_find() Syntax
array_find(array $array, callable $callback): mixed
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PHP array_find() Basic examples
$numbers = [1, 3, 5, 8];
$result = array_find($numbers, fn($n) => $n % 2 === 0);
var_dump($result);
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Output:
int(8)
Returns the first element that matches the condition.
PHP array_find() Real-world usage
$users = [['id'=>1],['id'=>2]];
$user = array_find($users, fn($u)=>$u['id']===2);
print_r($user);
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Output:
Array ( [id] => 2 )
Find first matching record in dataset.
PHP array_find() Edge cases
$result = array_find([1,2,3], fn($v)=>$v>10);
var_dump($result);
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Output:
NULL
Returns null if no match found.
PHP array_find() Common mistakes
Expecting index instead of value
array_find() returns value, not key.
Incorrect
$key = array_find($arr, fn($v)=>$v===5);
Correct
// use array_find_key() for key
Use array_find_key() if you need the key.
PHP array_find() Frequently Asked Questions
What does array_find() do?
Finds first matching element using a callback.
Use case?
Searching arrays.
Callback required?
Yes.
Return value?
First match or null.
Common mistake?
Assuming built-in in all PHP versions.
Performance?
Depends on array size.
Alternative?
array_filter().
Stops early?
Yes.
Safe?
Yes.
Handles objects?
Yes.
Best practice?
Use strict comparisons.
Used in filtering?
Yes.