In PHP, when to use arrays and when to use multiple variables?

Question

For a given dataset - In terms of memory, efficiency and readability - when it is better to use an array, and when it is better to declare multiple variables? What are the pros and cons of using each?

It is - I believe - a fundamental question in programming, and it may have different answers for different programming languages, but the focus is on the PHP point of view (especially regarding the memory management).

EDIT (Example to clarify):

If I have a user, and I want to store his username and password, should I do it in a $user array, or in two variables - $username and $password? What are the pros and cons of each approach?

Use array when you need an array. Use variable when you need a variable. — Martin Heralecký
– Martin Heralecký, Commented Oct 22, 2015 at 10:20
@MartinHeralecký But when you can use both - which of them should you use? I will add an example to the question so the question will be clearer. — Michael Haddad
– Michael Haddad, Commented Oct 22, 2015 at 10:22
@MartinHeralecký, I added an example. Please read it and contribute an answer. I will really appriciate it. And do not forget to rank up the question. ;) Thank you. — Michael Haddad
– Michael Haddad, Commented Oct 22, 2015 at 10:31
Your example isn't appropriate. You can have credentials as separate variables or in array. In this case it doesn't matter. My advice would be: Just write code and when you're not sure if use variable or array, ask there. — Martin Heralecký
– Martin Heralecký, Commented Oct 22, 2015 at 10:38

Niranjan N Raju · Accepted Answer · 2015-10-22 10:43:25Z

2

Well, if you want to store more than 1 value in a variable, use array. But if you want to store only one vale in a variable, use normal variable.

EX:

$a = 10;// one value so variable.

Suppose you want to add all multiples of 5 till 20, then use arrays.

$a = array(5,10,15,20);

While storing more than 1 value, if you use differsnt variables, its not a good practice.

$a = 5;
$b = 10;
$c = 15;
$d = 20;

The above mentioned is wrong, you should use arrays.

Finally:

An array is a special variable, which can hold more than one value at a time.

An variable is a normal variable, which can hold only one value at a time.

Irrespective of different languages, concept remains same. It will be up to developer to use array or a normal variable.

EDIT:

As far my understanding, 2 variables will not create any issue with memory.

You can go ahead with variables. If you want to store more values , then use arrays.

But keep in mind that variables are faster that arrays.

edited Oct 22, 2015 at 10:43

answered Oct 22, 2015 at 10:21

Niranjan N Raju

12k4 gold badges24 silver badges41 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

6 Comments

Script47 Over a year ago

As of PHP 5.4 you can define arrays using the new method $a = [5, 10, 15, 20];.

Niranjan N Raju Over a year ago

I just gave a sample example. But there are many ways of declaring it. But still i accept your suggession.

Michael Haddad Over a year ago

I edited the question and added an example, please read it and review your answer. And do not forget to rank up the question. ;) Thank you very much!

Michael Haddad Over a year ago

Thanks for editing. So you are saying that the length of the dataset is a factor in the answer. Well, when it is to big to be in variables? What other factors there are?

Niranjan N Raju Over a year ago

see this, stackoverflow.com/questions/14337685/…. even for 5 variables, variables memory is less. It all comes down to our requirement. also see this, stackoverflow.com/questions/4785691/…

|

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

In PHP, when to use arrays and when to use multiple variables?

1 Answer 1

6 Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

6 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related