What’s the Difference Between Accessing Data by Index and by Associative Key in mysql_fetch_array()?

gitbox 2025-09-15

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// The following section is unrelated to the main content, provided only as sample pre-code
</span>echo "PHP environment started\n";
$dummyArray = [1, 2, 3];
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    echo "Pre-test data: $item\n";
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</span>echo "<h1>What’s the Difference Between Accessing Data by Index and by Associative Key in mysql_fetch_array()?</h1>";</p>
<p>echo <span><span class="hljs-string">"<p>In PHP, <code>mysql_fetch_array()

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echo "

Features:

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Code readability is higher, making it easier to understand the meaning of the accessed data.

Changing the field order does not affect access, but the field names must be correct.

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3. The Second Parameter of mysql_fetch_array

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The function prototype is as follows:

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mysql_fetch_array(resource <span>$result</span>, int <span>$result_type</span> = MYSQL_BOTH)

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The $result_type parameter can be:

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MYSQL_ASSOC: returns only an associative array
MYSQL_NUM: returns only a numeric indexed array
MYSQL_BOTH (default): returns both associative and numeric arrays

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Conclusion

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Choosing between numeric index or associative key access mainly depends on code readability and maintainability:

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If speed is a priority and the field order is fixed: numeric index can be used.
If readability and maintainability are important: associative key access is recommended.

"; ?>

mysql_fetch_array