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What is the difference between array_flip() and array_combine()? What scenarios do they apply to?

M66 2025-05-14

In PHP, array_flip() and array_combine() are two commonly used array operation functions. They have different functions and applicable scenarios in array processing. This article will dig into their differences and clarify what scenarios they each apply to.

1. array_flip()

The array_flip() function is used to exchange keys and values ​​of an array. It takes the keys in the array as values, the value in the array as keys, and returns a new array. It should be noted that when there are duplicate values ​​in the original array, array_flip() will only retain the last value as the value of the new array, because the array key is unique.

grammar:
 array_flip(array $array): array
Example:
 <?php
$array = array("a" => "apple", "b" => "banana", "c" => "cherry");
$flipped = array_flip($array);

print_r($flipped);
?>

Output:

 Array
(
    [apple] => a
    [banana] => b
    [cherry] => c
)

In this example, array_flip() swaps the keys and values ​​of the original array, and each fruit name (value) in the new array becomes a key, and the original key (letter) becomes a value.

Applicable scenarios:
  • array_flip() is useful when you need to find the corresponding key by the value of the array. For example, when processing user input data, if you need to obtain relevant key-value pairs through the value selected by the user, array_flip() can provide a convenient solution.

2. array_combine()

The array_combine() function is used to combine two arrays into an associative array. It takes elements of one array as keys to the new array and elements of another array as values ​​of the new array. It should be noted that the lengths of the two arrays must be equal, otherwise a warning will be thrown.

grammar:
 array_combine(array $keys, array $values): array
Example:
 <?php
$keys = array("a", "b", "c");
$values = array("apple", "banana", "cherry");

$combined = array_combine($keys, $values);

print_r($combined);
?>

Output:

 Array
(
    [a] => apple
    [b] => banana
    [c] => cherry
)

In this example, array_combine() uses the elements in the $keys array as the keys to the new array, and the elements in the $values ​​array as the value of the new array, and finally returns a merged array.

Applicable scenarios:
  • array_combine() is a very convenient tool when you have two correlation arrays and want to combine them into one associative array. For example, when processing user data, there may be an array containing user IDs and an array containing user names. You can use array_combine() to merge them into an associative array to facilitate quick access to each user's name.

3. Their differences

Although array_flip() and array_combine() are array operation functions, their functions are significantly different:

  • array_flip() is the key and value of the swap array. It requires that the value of the original array is unique, otherwise the duplicate value will be lost.

  • array_combine() is to combine two arrays into an associative array, with elements of one array as keys and elements of the other array as values. It requires that both arrays be of the same length or a warning will be thrown.

Differences in usage scenarios:
  • If you have an associative array and need to get the corresponding key through the value, use array_flip() .

  • If you have two arrays and need to merge them into an associative array, use array_combine() .

4. Summary

array_flip() and array_combine() are very useful array operation functions in PHP, and they each have different application scenarios:

  • array_flip() is suitable for scenarios where you need to swap keys and values ​​of an array.

  • array_combine() is suitable for scenarios where you need to combine two arrays into an associative array.

Mastering the use of these two functions can help you be more handy when processing arrays and improve the efficiency and readability of your code.


I hope this article can help you better understand the differences and applicable scenarios of the two functions array_flip() and array_combine() in PHP. If you encounter related problems during the actual development process, remember to select the appropriate function to operate the array according to the specific needs.