PHP implode() Function

PHP implode() joins all the elements of an array into one string.

It is a built-in function. You give it a separator (also called glue) and an array, and it returns a single string with the separator placed between every value. The implode() function works opposite of explode(), which breaks a string into array.

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Syntax

implode(string $separator, array $array): string

There is also a second form where you pass only the array. In this case PHP joins the values without any separator.

implode(array $array): string

join() is an alias of implode(). Both work same, but implode() is more commonly used.

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Parameters

The array is required. The separator is optional.

Parameter	Description
separator	Optional. The string placed between array values. Default is an empty string
array	Required. The array whose values you want to join

Return value: implode() returns a string. For an empty array it returns an empty string.

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Examples

Example #1: Join names with a space

Here we have an array of names. We pass a space as separator, so all the names come out in one string.

<?php
// Array of names
$names = ["Robin", "Jenny", "Rocky"];

// Join array values using space
$result = implode(" ", $names);

echo $result;
?>

Output:

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Example #2: Join values with comma and space

Comma with a space is the most common separator. Use it when you want to show array values as single line list.

<?php
$fruits = ["Apple", "Banana", "Orange", "Mango"];

echo implode(", ", $fruits);
?>

Output:

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Example #3: Join without a separator

If you pass only the array, the values are joined directly one after another.

<?php
$letters = ["P", "H", "P"];

echo implode($letters);
?>

Output:

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Example #4: Associative array

For an associative array, implode() joins the values only. Keys are ignored. If you need the keys, use array_keys() first.

<?php
$user = ["name" => "Robin", "city" => "Delhi", "age" => 25];

// Join values
echo implode(" | ", $user) . "<br>";

// Join keys
echo implode(" | ", array_keys($user));
?>

Output:

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Common mistakes

• Passing a string instead of an array. In PHP 8 this throws a TypeError.
• Using a nested array. implode() cannot join an array inside another array. You will get the word “Array” and a warning “Array to string conversion”.
• Boolean and null values. true becomes “1”, while false and null become an empty string.

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Summary

• implode() joins array values into a string.
• Separator goes first and array goes second.
• join() is an alias of implode().
• It uses values only, keys are ignored.
• It is the opposite of explode().

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