? PHP Array Sorting Functions

ℹ️ Quick Overview

PHP provides multiple built-in array sorting functions that help arrange array elements in ascending or descending order. These functions can sort indexed arrays, associative arrays, or arrays based on keys or values.

? Key Concepts

sort() – Sorts indexed arrays in ascending order
rsort() – Sorts indexed arrays in descending order
asort() – Sorts associative arrays by value (ascending)
arsort() – Sorts associative arrays by value (descending)
ksort() – Sorts associative arrays by key (ascending)
krsort() – Sorts associative arrays by key (descending)

? Syntax / Theory

Array sorting functions directly modify the original array. Some functions reindex numeric keys, while others preserve key-value relationships. Choosing the correct function depends on whether the array is indexed or associative.

? Example 1: Using sort()

? View Code Example

// Sorting an indexed array in ascending order

? Explanation

The sort() function arranges numeric values in ascending order and resets the array indexes starting from zero.

? Example 2: Using asort()

? View Code Example

// Sorting an associative array by values while keeping keys
 25, "Jane" => 28, "Doe" => 22);
asort($ages);
print_r($ages);
?>

? Explanation

The asort() function sorts array values in ascending order while preserving their corresponding keys.

? Example 3: Using ksort()

? View Code Example

// Sorting an associative array by keys alphabetically
 25, "name" => "John", "city" => "New York");
ksort($person);
print_r($person);
?>

? Explanation

The ksort() function sorts the array based on keys in alphabetical order.

? Interactive Sorting Lab

Select a function to see how it transforms the data below.

Raw Data

Resulting Array

? Use Cases

Sorting product prices or scores
Arranging associative data like user profiles
Preparing ordered data for display

✅ Tips & Best Practices

Use sort() and rsort() only for indexed arrays
Prefer asort() or ksort() when key preservation matters
Use descending variants for reverse ordering

? Try It Yourself

Sort an array of scores using rsort()
Create an associative array of products and prices, then sort by price
Sort an array by keys using krsort()