Introduction to Arrays

PHP arrays are ordered maps: each value has a key, and keys can be integers or strings. A list uses consecutive integer keys, while a map uses meaningful named keys. Choose the shape that matches the data and keep it consistent across the code that consumes it. The example creates a simple list and reads its first element. Further guidance Choose list indexes for ordered items and descriptive keys for named fields. Check whether an expected key exists before reading it, and preserve keys when their association matters during sorting or filtering. Use a small fixture to test empty, single-item, and nested data. Practice task: Create a fresh example for Introduction to Arrays. Predict the result before running it, then change one input and explain why the result changes. Test a normal case and one boundary or invalid case where it applies. Compare your output with the example and note one rule you would use in a real project.