How to Use array_shift in PHP: Syntax and Examples

In PHP, array_shift removes the first element from an array and returns it, shifting all other elements down by one. It modifies the original array by reference and returns null if the array is empty.

Syntax

The array_shift function takes one parameter: the array you want to modify. It removes the first element and returns it. The array is changed directly.

• array_shift(array &$array): mixed
• $array: The input array passed by reference.
• Returns the removed first element or null if the array is empty.

php

array_shift(array &$array): mixed

Example

This example shows how array_shift removes the first element from an array and returns it. The original array is changed after the call.

php

<?php
$fruits = ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry'];
$first = array_shift($fruits);
echo "Removed element: $first\n";
echo "Remaining array: ";
print_r($fruits);
?>

Output

Removed element: apple
Remaining array: Array
(
    [0] => banana
    [1] => cherry
)

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes include:

• Passing a non-array variable causes a warning.
• Expecting array_shift to return the array without the first element (it returns only the removed element).
• Not realizing the original array is changed.
• Using array_shift on an empty array returns null.

php

<?php
// Wrong: expecting array_shift to return the array without first element
$numbers = [1, 2, 3];
$newArray = array_shift($numbers); // $newArray is 1, not the array

// Right: use array_shift to get first element, then use $numbers
$first = array_shift($numbers);
// $numbers now has [2, 3]
?>

Quick Reference

Function	Description	Returns	Modifies Original Array
array_shift	Removes first element from array	Removed element or null if empty	Yes

Key Takeaways

array_shift removes and returns the first element of an array, modifying the original array.

If the array is empty, array_shift returns null.

Always pass a valid array to avoid warnings.

array_shift returns the removed element, not the modified array.

The original array keys are reindexed after removal.