How to Retrieve the Last Array Key in PHP?

Retrieving the Last Array Key: A Thorough Guide

How can you efficiently obtain the last key within an array? This guide provides a comprehensive solution that leverages a combination of PHP's built-in end() and key() functions.

End and Key: A Dynamic Duo

• end() advances the array's internal pointer to the last element, effectively retrieving its value.
• key() returns the index of the current array position where the internal pointer is located.

By combining these functions, we can effectively identify and retrieve the last key of an array.

Code Sample

Below is an example code snippet that utilizes this technique:

<code class="php">$array = [
    'first' => 123,
    'second' => 456,
    'last' => 789,
];

end($array);         // Position the internal pointer at the last element
$key = key($array);  // Obtain the key of the last element

var_dump($key);</code>

Explanation

• The end() function places the array's internal pointer at the final element, allowing key() to retrieve its index.
• The output of the var_dump() statement will be "last," representing the key of the last element.

Note:

After this operation, the array's internal pointer will remain at the last element. You may want to employ the reset() function to restore the pointer to the beginning of the array, ensuring no unintended behavior.

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