? PHP Multidimensional Associative Array

? Quick Overview

A multidimensional associative array is an array where each element is an associative array itself. This allows you to store complex data structures such as records with multiple properties, employee records, products in a store, or student data.

? Key Concepts

Each main key maps to another associative array
Useful for structured and grouped data
Access values using multiple keys

? Syntax / Theory

The basic structure of a multidimensional associative array:

? View Code Example

// Defining a multidimensional associative array
$array = array(
"key1" => array("subkey1" => "value1", "subkey2" => "value2"),
"key2" => array("subkey1" => "value3", "subkey2" => "value4")
);

? Code Example

This example demonstrates how to create and access a multidimensional associative array:

? View Code Example

// Creating employee records using a multidimensional associative array
<?php
$employees = array(
"Peter" => array("age" => 35, "position" => "Manager", "department" => "HR"),
"John" => array("age" => 28, "position" => "Developer", "department" => "IT"),
"Doe" => array("age" => 40, "position" => "Designer", "department" => "Marketing")
);

echo $employees["Peter"]["position"];
?>

? Live Output / Explanation

The output will be Manager. The first key selects the employee name, and the second key accesses a specific property of that employee.

? Interactive Example

You can visualize this structure as a table-like hierarchy where each employee name maps to multiple attributes such as age, position, and department.

? Data Explorer

Search for an employee to see how the multidimensional keys are linked.

Main Key (Name)	Subkey: Age	Subkey: Position	Subkey: Department

? Use Cases

Employee management systems
Student record databases
Product catalogs in e-commerce
Configuration data storage

✅ Tips & Best Practices

Use meaningful keys to improve readability
Keep nesting levels manageable
Check key existence using isset() or array_key_exists()

? Try It Yourself

Create a multidimensional associative array for online store products
Store student names, subjects, and grades, then loop using foreach
Add an email field to each employee and display it