Is $array[] Really Faster Than array_push() for Appending Elements in PHP?

Understanding Array Appending Performance in PHP: $array[] vs array_push()

While the PHP manual suggests avoiding function calls for optimal performance, there are conflicting opinions regarding the speed of using $array[] in comparison to array_push(). Let's clarify this through benchmarks and technical explanations.

Performance Test

Benchmarking reveals that $array[] is significantly faster than array_push() when adding individual elements to an array.

Code for Benchmarking:

<code class="php">$t = microtime(true);
$array = array();
for ($i = 0; $i < 10000; $i++) {
    $array[] = $i;
}
print microtime(true) - $t;
print '<br>';

$t = microtime(true);
$array = array();
for ($i = 0; $i < 10000; $i++) {
    array_push($array, $i);
}
print microtime(true) - $t;</code>

Results:

• $array[]: ~0.003 seconds
• array_push(): ~0.005 seconds

Explanation

The PHP manual states that using $array[] avoids the overhead of calling a function, making it faster for adding single elements.

Myth Buster: Array_push() for Multiple Values

Contrary to intuitive thought, even for adding multiple values to an array, $array[] calls are faster than a single array_push(). This observation challenges the notion that array_push() is more efficient for bulk additions.

Conclusion

For appending individual elements to an array, $array[] is a clear winner in terms of performance. However, the speed difference is negligible for most practical applications. The simplicity and readability of $array[] make it a preferred choice for many developers.

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