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PHP array_multisort() Function

Quick summary: The PHP array_multisort() function sorts multiple arrays or multi-dimensional arrays at once.

PHP array_multisort() Syntax 

array_multisort(array &$array1, mixed $array1_sort_order = SORT_ASC, mixed $array1_sort_flags = SORT_REGULAR, mixed ...$rest): bool
PHP

PHP array_multisort() Basic examples 

$numbers = [3,1,2];
array_multisort($numbers);
print_r($numbers);
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Output:
Array ( [0] => 1 [1] => 2 [2] => 3 )

Sorts an array in ascending order.

PHP array_multisort() Real-world usage 

$names = ['John','Jane','Adam'];
$ages = [25,22,30];
array_multisort($ages, SORT_ASC, $names);
print_r($names);
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Output:
Array ( [0] => Jane [1] => John [2] => Adam )

Sorts names based on corresponding ages.

PHP array_multisort() Edge cases 

$a = [3,1,2];
$b = ['c','a','b'];
array_multisort($a, $b);
print_r($b);
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Output:
Array reordered to match sorted first array

Secondary arrays are reordered according to the first array.

PHP array_multisort() Common mistakes

Forgetting arrays are sorted by reference

array_multisort() modifies the original arrays.

Incorrect
array_multisort($arr);
Correct
$copy = $arr; array_multisort($copy);

Create a copy if original order must be preserved.

PHP array_multisort() Frequently Asked Questions

What does array_multisort() do?

Sorts multiple arrays or multidimensional arrays.

Use case?

Sorting related arrays.

Modifies array?

Yes.

Common mistake?

Losing key associations.

Return type?

bool.

Supports flags?

Yes.

Performance?

Moderate.

Safe?

Yes.

Alternative?

usort().

Handles objects?

Yes.

Stable sort?

No.

Best practice?

Prepare data first.

PHP array_multisort() Related PHP Functions