How To Empty Array In Php

Working with arrays is a common task when developing applications in PHP. Sometimes, you might need to empty an array, i.e., remove all the elements from the array, to use it again or free up memory. In this article, we will discuss different methods to empty an array in PHP.

Method 1: Using the unset() Function

The unset() function is used to destroy a variable or an element of an array. To empty an array using the unset() function, you can simply pass the array as an argument:

<?php
    $array = array("apple", "banana", "cherry");
    unset($array);
    ?>

However, keep in mind that this method will completely destroy the array variable, and you won’t be able to use it again unless you redefine it. If you only want to remove the elements but keep the array variable, you can use the other methods described below.

Method 2: Using the array_splice() Function

The array_splice() function is used to remove a portion of an array and replace it with new elements (if any). By specifying the start and length parameters, you can remove all the elements from the array:

<?php
    $array = array("apple", "banana", "cherry");
    array_splice($array, 0);
    ?>

Now, the $array variable will be empty, but it still exists and can be used again.

Method 3: Assigning an Empty Array

Another simple way to empty an array is by assigning an empty array to it:

<?php
    $array = array("apple", "banana", "cherry");
    $array = array();
    ?>

This method will remove all the elements from the array and keep the array variable intact.

Method 4: Using a Loop

You can also use a loop to remove each element from the array one by one. This method is not as efficient as the previous ones, but it’s helpful if you need more control over the process:

<?php
    $array = array("apple", "banana", "cherry");
    foreach ($array as $key => $value) {
        unset($array[$key]);
    }
    ?>

This will remove all the elements from the array while keeping the array variable intact.

Conclusion

Emptying an array in PHP can be achieved using various methods, including the unset() function, the array_splice() function, assigning an empty array, or using a loop. Each method has its use cases, and you can choose the one that best fits your requirements.