PHP array_any: How it Works with Arrays with Examples

PHP 8.4 released the array_any to test if at least one element matches a condition.

Understand the array_any Function in PHP

The array_any checks elements in an array. It returns true if one element passes the test. It returns false if no element passes the test.

The syntax looks like this:

array_any(array $array, callable $callback)

• $array: the array you want to check.
• $callback: the test function that runs on each element.

The function moves through each array element in order. It runs the callback with the element. The function stops when the callback returns true once. The function then returns true. If no element passes, the function returns false.

Here is a quick example:

$numbers = [2, 4, 6, 7];
$result = array_any($numbers, fn($n) => $n % 2 !== 0);
var_dump($result);

This code checks if at least one number is odd. It finds that 7 is odd, so the function returns true.

So, how to implement PHP array_any in your code?

Not all PHP versions have this function. You can write your own function if the function does not exist with this code:

if( !function_exists( 'array_any' ) ) {
  function array_any(array $array, callable $callback): bool {
      foreach ($array as $value) {
          if ($callback($value)) {
              return true;
          }
      }
      return false;
  }
}

This custom code runs the same logic. It checks each element and exits early once a match appears.

The Difference Between array_any and Built-in Functions in PHP

The array_any looks like array_filter or in_array, but the purpose is different. array_any only checks if a condition passes for one element.

Here is a table that shows key differences:

Use array_any when you only need a yes or no check. Do not use it to collect results.

Examples of array_any Function in PHP

Check Even Numbers:

$nums = [1, 3, 5, 8];
$result = array_any($nums, fn($n) => $n % 2 === 0);
var_dump($result); // bool(true)

This code tests if the array has at least one even number, and the function finds 8 as even, so it returns true.

Check Strings for a Letter:

$words = ["hat", "dog", "cat"];
$result = array_any($words, fn($w) => strpos($w, "a") !== false);
var_dump($result); // bool(true)

This code checks each string to see if it holds the letter “a”. The function finds “hat” and “cat”, so it returns true.

Validate User Ages:

$ages = [12, 15, 20];
$result = array_any($ages, fn($a) => $a >= 18);
var_dump($result); // bool(true)

This code checks if any user is an adult with age 18 or more. The function finds 20, so it returns true.

Detect Negative Numbers:

$values = [4, -3, 7, 9];
$result = array_any($values, fn($v) => $v < 0);
var_dump($result); // bool(true)

This code scans each number to see if it is negative. The function finds -3, so it returns true.

Wrapping Up

You learned what array_any does and how it behaves with arrays. Here is a quick recap:

• It checks if any array element passes a condition.
• It returns true at the first match.
• It returns false if no element matches.
• You can build your own function in versions without it.
• It differs from array_filter and in_array because it only tests and returns a boolean.

FAQs

function array_any($array, $callback) {
    foreach ($array as $value) {
        if ($callback($value)) {
            return true;
        }
    }
    return false;
}

$numbers = [3, 7, 15, 2];

$result = array_any($numbers, function($n) {
    return $n > 10;
});

var_dump($result); // true

$values = [1, 2, 3, 4];

$any = array_any($values, fn($v) => $v === 3); 
// true

$filter = array_filter($values, fn($v) => $v === 3); 
// [2 => 3]

$words = ["apple", "banana", "pear"];

$result = array_any($words, function($word) {
    return strlen($word) > 5;
});

var_dump($result); // true

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