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PHP: array_rand() function

PHP: Pick one or more random entries out of an array

The array_rand() function is used to fetch one or more random entries from an array. It uses a pseudo-random number generator that is not suitable for cryptographic purposes.

Version:

(PHP 4 and above)

Syntax:

array_rand(array1, no_rand_keys)

Parameter:

Name Description Required /
Optional		 Type
array1 The input array. Required Array
no_rand_keys No of entries to get. Optional Integer

Return value:

A random key if the value of no_rand_keys = 1.
If the value of no_rand_keys is greater than 1 it returns an array.

Value Type: Mixed*.
*Mixed : Mixed indicates multiple (but not necessarily all) types.

Example:

<?php
$array1= array('Mathematics','Physics','Chemistry','Biology');
$rand_keys = array_rand($array1,2);
echo $array1[$rand_keys[0]] . "\n";
echo $array1[$rand_keys[1]] . "\n";
?>

Output:

Mathematics  Chemistry

Note : Since array_rand() function selects random values every time you run it, your output may vary from the Pictorial as well the output is shown under Output of the example in this tutorial.

View the Example in the browser

Practice here online :

See also

PHP Function Reference

Previous: array_push
Next: array_reduce



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PHP: Tips of the Day

Filters the collection using the given callback

Example:

<?php
function tips_reject($items, $func)
{
  return array_values(array_diff($items, array_filter($items, $func)));
}

print_r(tips_reject(['Apple', 'Pear', 'Kiwi', 'Banana'], function ($item) {
  return strlen($item) > 4;
}));
?>

Output:

Array
(
    [0] => Pear
    [1] => Kiwi
)