Encoding with json_encode()

Learn to convert a PHP value to a JSON string with json_encode().

What does the encode function do?

The encode function converts a PHP array into a structured data format string. In this format, keys and string values use double quotes, while numeric values are unquoted. For example, the array ['product' => 'Café', 'price' => 5] becomes {"product":"Café","price":5}.

This format is widely used for data exchange between applications. PHP, Python and JavaScript all read and write the same format, so different languages can communicate easily.

Flags: UNESCAPED_UNICODE and PRETTY_PRINT

By default, the encode function writes accented letters as escape sequences like \u00e9. The UNESCAPED_UNICODE flag keeps letters as they are, so Café stays Café.

The PRETTY_PRINT flag formats the string with indentation and line breaks, making it easier for humans to read. You combine multiple flags with the | operator.

Exercise Convert an array to a data format string

Convert the array in $data to a structured data format string and print it. Call the encode function with the UNESCAPED_UNICODE flag.

Show example solution

Call encode with $data and UNESCAPED_UNICODE; print the result with echo.
Example solution:
echo encode($data, UNESCAPED_UNICODE);

Test yourself

Which direction does the encode function convert?
- Converts a string to an array
- Converts an array to a string
- Writes an array to a file
- Prints a string to the screen
Show answer

Converts an array to a string — Correct. The encode function converts a PHP array into a structured data format string.

Which flag keeps accented letters?

$data = ['product' => 'Café', 'price' => 5];
echo encode($data, ____);

Show answer

$data = ['product' => 'Café', 'price' => 5];
echo encode($data, UNESCAPED_UNICODE);

Match functions and flags with their jobs

json_encode

converts array to string
json_decode

converts string to array
UNESCAPED_UNICODE

keeps letters as they are
PRETTY_PRINT

adds indented formatting

Next lesson: Parsing with json_decode()

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