PHP Implode Function With Examples

PHP Implode Function With Examples

by

What is PHP implode()?

implode() is a built-in PHP function that joins the members of an array because it functions exactly like the join() method, the implode() function can also be an alternative to the PHP join() function.

Moreover, if we have an array of components, we can use the implode() function to combine them into a single string.

Essentially, we combine array elements with a string because the implode() function, like the join() function, returns a string constructed from the components of an array.

Syntax:

implode(separator,array)

Parameters:

As you can see in its syntax, the implode function takes two parameters.

These parameters are the separator and the array which will serve as the basis of PHP implode() to implement its function.

Separator

The separator of the PHP implode is only an optional parameter. It specifies a character or symbol that will serve as a separator between the array of elements that the function will combine or join.

However, if this parameter is empty, its default value is the double quote ("") symbol, meaning an empty string.

Please note that although the separator parameter is optional, it is still wise to always use it with the array parameter for backward compatibility.

Array

The array, on the other hand, is a required parameter of the PHP implode() function. This parameter specifies the array that will join the string.

In addition, the implode() function in PHP accepts its parameters in any order.

However, you should still use the documented order of parameters to maintain consistency with the explode() function.

Return Value

The PHP implode() function returns a string form of output from or with the imploded array elements.

This string provides a string representation of all the array elements in the same order and is separated by the separator string.

implode() Function in PHP Example

In this section, we will apply the PHP implode() function in an example program to see if its definition matches the function that it should deliver.

The example below will prove to us the correct implementation of the function but with the proper declaration.

To guide with its proper declaration, here’s an example program,

Example 1:

<?php
$sample_array = array('Welcome','to','ITScourceCode!');
echo implode(" ",$sample_array);
?>

Program Explanation:

This example program shows how to merge the array into a string form.

It is very useful in handling segregated data just like importing data from comma or character-separated values.

As you can see in the output below, the program displays the values of the $sample_array, omitting the quote characters.

As a result, the output of the program provides more readable data or strings than its former form.

Output:

Welcome to ITScourceCode!

This output proves that the program is efficient with converting elements of an array into a single string.

However, please note that this example is very simple and you can still test and do more on this function.

Additionally, you can also use the function in complex scenarios, just observe the proper declaration of it to avoid unwanted errors.

Example 2:

<?php
$arr = array('Good','day!','Welcome','to', 'ITSourceCode!');
echo implode(" ",$arr)."<br>";
echo implode("/",$arr)."<br>";
echo implode("*",$arr)."<br>";
echo implode("+",$arr);
?>

Program Explanation:

Moreover, you can also try more explorations with PHP implode() function just like adding various characters into the string.

To let you manipulate more about imploding array values into a string, you can use operational symbols just like +, -, /, *, and more.

Just make sure these symbols are enclosed in a double quote (“”) to avoid program or syntax errors.

Additionally, not enclosing the operational symbols in a double quote might execute another function of the program.

Therefore, you should follow the exact declaration of the implode() function in your PHP projects.

Output:

Good day! Welcome to ITSourceCode!
Good/day!/Welcome/to/ITSourceCode!
Good*day!*Welcome*to*ITSourceCode!
Good+day!+Welcome+to+ITSourceCode!

As a result of the example program above (Example 2), you can see that the function combines the array of elements to form more readable data.

Additionally, it can also work with various types of characters enclosed in a double quote symbol.

By just looking at the output of the program, you can clearly conclude that the PHP implode() function is efficient in every way.

This is specifically when working with other aspects of its implementation as long as you do the proper declaration.

Example 3:

<?php

$sample = ['Joanne', '[email protected]', '11221145098'];
echo implode(", ", $sample) . "<br>"; 
echo implode(' and ', ['Me', 'myself']) . "<br>";
echo implode(['a', 'b', 'c']);

?>

Program Explanation:

Here’s another example of handling arrays and converting them into a single string.

This is very useful in combining data just like concatenating elements.

The advantage of using the implode() function is that you can assign a specific character that could serve as a separator of the data elements in a string.

Output:

Joanne, [email protected], 11221145098
Me and myself
abc

As the program’s output shows, we can also have actual separator characters such as comma (,) and words.

You can also see that we can use the word ‘and’ to separate the two elements ‘Me’ and ‘myself’.

But the output delivers a thought that a reader can understand.

Learning through this discussion will really give you an edge over the others especially when you are really eager to learn.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the topic gives you a clear visualization of the PHP implode() function as to what this function is all about and its uses.

The topic also stresses the alternative function that has some similarity with the PHP implode() and vice versa.

This means that you can explore more about PHP functions and advantages if you stay tuned to this site.

If you have any concerns or want to clarify other matters regarding this topic, you can leave a comment below.

Leave a Comment