WebCodeDoc

PHP is_array() Function

Quick summary: The PHP is_array() function checks whether a variable is an array.

PHP is_array() Syntax 

is_array(mixed $value): bool
PHP

PHP is_array() Basic examples 

var_dump(is_array([1,2,3]));
PHP
Output:
bool(true)

Returns true for arrays.

var_dump(is_array('abc'));
PHP
Output:
bool(false)

Strings are not arrays.

PHP is_array() Real-world usage 

$data = [];
if (is_array($data)) {
    echo 'Array data';
}
PHP
Output:
Array data

Validates array input.

PHP is_array() Edge cases 

var_dump(is_array(new ArrayObject()));
PHP
Output:
bool(false)

ArrayObject is not an array.

PHP is_array() Common mistakes

Confusing arrays with iterable objects

Not all iterables are arrays.

Incorrect
is_array(new ArrayObject());
Correct
is_iterable(new ArrayObject());

Use is_iterable when supporting arrays and objects.

PHP is_array() Frequently Asked Questions

What does is_array() do?

Checks if a variable is an array.

Return type?

Boolean.

Does it modify variable?

No.

Handles empty arrays?

Yes.

Use case?

Validating array input.

Handles objects?

No.

Difference from iterable?

Only arrays.

Performance?

Very fast.

Handles null?

No.

Strict?

Yes.

Alternative?

instanceof ArrayObject.

Supports nested arrays?

Yes.

PHP is_array() Related PHP Functions