Parsing with json_decode()

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

The decode function turns a string into an array

The decode function converts a structured data format string into a PHP array or object. The key-value pairs in the string become array elements on the PHP side.

The second parameter, assoc, decides the result type. Pass true to get an associative array; pass false to get an object. In most cases, arrays are easier to work with, so true is preferred.

assoc=true gives an array, assoc=false gives an object

If you pass true to decode, the result is an associative array; you access values with square brackets like $data['product']. If you pass false, the result is an object; access uses an arrow, $data->product.

Both carry the same data; the difference is access style. Arrays are easier to loop over, so true is preferred for most API work.

Exercise Convert a string to an array and print a value

Convert the string in $text to an array with the decode function and assign it to $data. Pass true as the second parameter. Then print the value of $data['product'].

Show example solution

Call decode with $text and true, assign the result to $data; print the product key with echo.
Example solution:
$data = decode($text, true);
echo $data['product'];

Test yourself

The assoc parameter for an associative array

$text = '{"product":"Café","price":5}';
$data = decode($text, ____);
echo $data['product'];

Show answer

$text = '{"product":"Café","price":5}';
$data = decode($text, true);
echo $data['product'];

What type does decode($text, true) return?
- An object
- An integer
- An associative array
- A string
Show answer

An associative array — Correct. assoc=true makes decode return an associative array.
Match the decode concepts

json_decode

converts string to array
assoc=true

returns associative array
assoc=false

returns object
$data['name']

array element access

Next lesson: JSON error handling

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