Exploring the New Array Find Functions in PHP 8.4

PHP 8.4 is going to give us several new updates to array handling with new “find” functions.

These additions aim to simplify common tasks like finding elements and checking conditions in arrays.

Here’s a detailed look at the new functions and how they can enhance your coding experience.

1. array_find()

The array_find() function helps you search for the first element in an array that meets a specific condition. This is akin to array_filter(), but it halts as soon as it finds the first match, making it more efficient for large arrays.

Syntax:

array_find(array $array, callable $callback): mixed

Example:

$array = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
$result = array_find($array, fn($value) => $value % 2 === 0);
echo $result; // Output: 2

In this case, the first even number in the array is returned.

If no match is found, null is returned.

2. array_find_key()

This function works similarly to array_find(), but instead of returning the value, it returns the key of the first matching element.

Syntax:

array_find_key(array $array, callable $callback): mixed

Example:

$array = ['a' => 'cat', 'b' => 'dog', 'c' => 'elephant'];
$result = array_find_key($array, fn($value) => strlen($value) > 3);
echo $result; // Output: 'c'

Here, the key 'c' is returned because “elephant” is the first string with more than 3 characters.

3. array_all()

array_all() checks whether all elements in an array match a given condition. If every element passes the test, the function returns true; otherwise, it returns false.

Syntax:

array_all(array $array, callable $callback): bool

Example:

$array = [2, 4, 6, 8];
$result = array_all($array, fn($value) => $value % 2 === 0);
echo $result; // Output: true

This will return true as all numbers in the array are even.

4. array_any()

This function checks whether any element in the array meets the condition. If at least one element passes, it returns true; otherwise, it returns false.

Syntax:

array_any(array $array, callable $callback): bool

Example:

$array = [1, 3, 5, 7];
$result = array_any($array, fn($value) => $value % 2 === 0);
echo $result; // Output: false

In this case, it returns false as none of the numbers are even.

Why Are These Functions Useful?

These new functions streamline operations that previously required more verbose code with loops or array functions like array_filter. They also mirror similar methods found in other languages like JavaScript and Python, making PHP more intuitive for developers familiar with those environments.

Conclusion

The array find functions introduced in PHP 8.4 simplify and speed up array searches and condition checks. Whether you’re looking for the first matching value or checking if all elements meet a condition, these functions reduce the amount of boilerplate code needed, enhancing your development workflow.

For more details, you can check out the PHP RFC documentation【7†source】【8†source】.