PHP 8 reference · Array Sorting Functions

PHP asort() Function

Sort an array by value in ascending order, keeping each key attached to its value. Ideal for name => score maps.

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Syntax

asort(array &$array, int $flags = SORT_REGULAR): true

Parameter	Description
`array`	The array to sort (changed in place).
`flags` optional	`SORT_REGULAR`, `SORT_NUMERIC`, `SORT_STRING`, `SORT_NATURAL`, optionally `\| SORT_FLAG_CASE`. Default: `SORT_REGULAR`

Always true.

Sort by value, keep keysTry it yourself

<?php
$prices = ["tea" => 3.5, "cake" => 12, "milk" => 1.2];
asort($prices);
print_r($prices);

Output

Array
(
    [milk] => 1.2
    [tea] => 3.5
    [cake] => 12
)

Lists keep their keysTry it yourself

<?php
$list = ["x", "c", "a"];
asort($list);
print_r($list); // numeric keys are kept too

Output

Array
(
    [2] => a
    [1] => c
    [0] => x
)

Version	Change
PHP 4.0	Added
PHP 8.0	Sorting is stable: elements that compare equal keep their original order.
PHP 8.2	The return type is `true` (it was `bool`).

arsort() · Sort an array by value in descending order, keeping each key attached to its value. Great for leaderboards.
sort() · Sort an array's values in ascending order, in place. Keys are discarded and the result is renumbered from 0.
ksort() · Sort an array by key in ascending order, keeping each value with its key.
uasort() · Sort an array by value with your own comparison function, keeping keys attached to their values.
PHP Arrays · tutorial
PHP Array Functions · tutorial