How to delete an element from an array in PHP?

To delete an element from an array in PHP, use one of the following methods based on your specific needs:

1. Remove by Key (Index)

Using `unset()`

Removes an element by its key. Does not reindex the array (leaves a gap in numeric keys).

$array = ['a', 'b', 'c'];
unset($array[1]); // Removes element at index 1
// Result: [0 => 'a', 2 => 'c']

Reindex Numeric Arrays

If you need sequential numeric keys after deletion:

$array = ['a', 'b', 'c'];
unset($array[1]);
$array = array_values($array); // Reindexes keys to [0, 1]
// Result: [0 => 'a', 1 => 'c']

2. Remove by Value

Using `array_search()` + `unset()`

Finds the key of the first matching value and removes it.

$array = ['a', 'b', 'c'];
$key = array_search('b', $array); // Returns index 1
if ($key !== false) {
    unset($array[$key]);
}
// Result: [0 => 'a', 2 => 'c']

Using `array_diff()`

Removes all occurrences of a value (returns a new array).

$array = ['a', 'b', 'c'];
$array = array_diff($array, ['b']);
// Result: [0 => 'a', 2 => 'c']

3. Remove by Position (Numeric Arrays)

Using `array_splice()`

Removes elements by offset and reindexes the array.

$array = ['a', 'b', 'c'];
array_splice($array, 1, 1); // Removes 1 element starting at index 1
// Result: [0 => 'a', 1 => 'c']

4. Remove via Conditional Logic

Using `array_filter()`

Creates a new array by filtering out unwanted values (preserves keys).

$array = ['a', 'b', 'c'];
$array = array_filter($array, function($value) {
    return $value !== 'b';
});
// Result: [0 => 'a', 2 => 'c']

Key Differences

Method	Use Case	Reindexes?	Key Handling
`unset()`	Remove by key (numeric/associative).	❌ No	Leaves gaps in numeric keys.
`array_values()`	Reset numeric keys after `unset()`.	✅ Yes	Converts to sequential numeric keys.
`array_search()`	Remove by value (first occurrence).	❌ No	Requires `unset()` afterward.
`array_diff()`	Remove all instances of a value.	❌ No	Returns a new array.
`array_splice()`	Remove by position (numeric arrays).	✅ Yes	Reindexes automatically.
`array_filter()`	Remove elements via a callback.	❌ No	Preserves original keys.

Example Workflow

// Original array
$fruits = ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry'];

// Remove 'banana' by value and reindex
$key = array_search('banana', $fruits);
if ($key !== false) {
    unset($fruits[$key]);
    $fruits = array_values($fruits); // Reindex
}

// Output: ['apple', 'cherry']
print_r($fruits);

When to Use Which

Associative Arrays: Use unset($array['key']) to remove elements by key.
Numeric Arrays: Use array_splice() to remove elements by position and reindex.
Remove by Value: Use array_search() + unset() for single values or array_diff() for multiple values.
Conditional Removal: Use array_filter() for complex criteria.

Choose the method that best fits your use case!

1. Remove by Key (Index)

Using unset()