PHP: Merging Arrays with array_merge() and Spread Syntax
( 23 Articles)
In order to merge arrays in PHP (version 7 or 8), you can use the spread syntax (AKA argument unpacking, splat operator) or the array_merge() method. A few examples below will help you understand clearly.

Notes:
- If the input arrays have the same string keys, the later value for that key will overwrite the previous one.
- Values in the input arrays with numeric keys will be renumbered with incrementing keys starting from zero in the result array.
Example 1: Using the spread syntax
<?php
$animals = ['dog', 'cat', 'snake', 'pig', 'chicken'];
$fruits = ['apple', 'banana', 'water melon'];
$things = [...$animals, ...$fruits];
echo '<pre>';
print_r($things);
echo '</pre>';
?>
Output:
Array
(
[0] => dog
[1] => cat
[2] => snake
[3] => pig
[4] => chicken
[5] => apple
[6] => banana
[7] => water melon
)
Example 2: Using the array_merge method
Code:
<?php
$arr1 = [1, 2, 3];
$arr2 = [4, 5, 6];
$arr3 = array_merge($arr1, $arr2);
echo '<pre>';
print_r($arr3);
echo '</pre>';
?>
Output:
Array
(
[0] => 1
[1] => 2
[2] => 3
[3] => 4
[4] => 5
[5] => 6
)
Example 3: Using the array_merge method + input arrays have the same string keys
<?php
$arr1 = [
'a' => 'Alligator',
'b' => 'Bird',
'c' => 'Cat'
];
$arr2 = [
'c' => 'Tiger',
'd' => 'Dog',
'e' => 'Elephant'
];
$arr3 = array_merge($arr1, $arr2);
echo '<pre>';
print_r($arr3);
echo '</pre>';
?>
Output:
Array
(
[a] => Alligator
[b] => Bird
[c] => Tiger
[d] => Dog
[e] => Elephant
)
Example 3: Using the array_merge method with more complex arrays
<?php
$men = [
[
'name' => 'Jack',
'age' => 32
],
[
'name' => 'Steve',
'age' => 39
]
];
$women = [
[
'name' => 'Marry',
'age' => 24
],
[
'name' => 'Sam',
'age' => 31
]
];
$people = array_merge($men, $women);
echo '<pre>';
print_r($people);
echo '</pre>';
?>
Output:
Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Jack
[age] => 32
)
[1] => Array
(
[name] => Steve
[age] => 39
)
[2] => Array
(
[name] => Marry
[age] => 24
)
[3] => Array
(
[name] => Sam
[age] => 31
)
)
That’s it, my friends. Happy coding with PHP and have a nice day.
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