array_push() and array_pop()

PHP course · Beginner · Lesson 59/116

Learn to add elements to the end with array_push() and remove from the end with array_pop().

array_push() and array_pop()

The array_push() function adds one or more elements to the end of an array. It changes the array directly and returns the new count. For example, array_push($cart, "Bread") appends "Bread" to the end of $cart.

array_pop() removes the last element and returns it. If the array is empty, it returns null. Together they form a stack: the last item added is the first one removed.

Multiple items and a shortcut

With array_push() you can add several elements at once. array_push($cart, "Bread", "Milk", "Eggs") appends three items and returns the new array length.

For a single item, the bracket form is faster: $cart[] = "Bread"; is a common idiom in PHP. For multiple items, array_push() reads more clearly. No matter which one you pick, the array is updated directly; even if you ignore the return value, the change stays.

Exercise Build a stack and pop from the end

Define a $stack array and start it empty []. Use array_push() to add three values in order: "Alex", "Maya", "Sam". Then use array_pop() to assign the last element to $last and print it with echo $last . "\n".

Show example solution

First add with array_push($stack, "Alex", "Maya", "Sam");. Then remove with $last = array_pop($stack); and print echo $last . "\n";.
Example solution:
<?php
$stack = [];
// Add names, then remove the last and print it
array_push($stack, "Alex", "Maya", "Sam");
$last = array_pop($stack);
echo $last . "\n";

Test yourself

What is the output of the code below?
```
$cart = ["Bread", "Milk"];
$last = array_pop($cart);
echo $last;
```
- Bread
- Milk
- BreadMilk
- null
Show answer

Milk — Correct. array_pop removes from the end; since the last item is 'Milk', that is printed.

Write the function to add to the end

$cart = ["Bread", "Milk"];
____($cart, "Chocolate");
print_r($cart);

Show answer

$cart = ["Bread", "Milk"];
array_push($cart, "Chocolate");
print_r($cart);

Match each function to its purpose

array_push

Adds to the end
array_pop

Removes from the end
$cart[] = ...

Adds a single item
What is count after array_push?
```
$cart = ["Bread", "Milk"];
array_push($cart, "Eggs", "Chocolate");
echo count($cart);
```
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Show answer

4 — Correct. There were 2 items, 2 more were added; total is 4.

array_push() and array_pop()