Free PHP Array to JSON Converter Online
Transform PHP arrays into clean JSON format instantly with our free online converter. Convert associative arrays, indexed arrays, nested structures, and all PHP data types to valid JSON. Perfect for API development, data export, Laravel applications, WordPress plugins, and cross-platform data interchange. Handles both traditional array() syntax and modern PHP short array [] syntax. Works with nested arrays of any depth preserving structure and hierarchy.
Key Features
Smart PHP Parsing: Intelligently parses PHP array syntax including traditional array() declarations and modern short [] syntax. Handles associative arrays with string keys and indexed arrays with numeric keys. Properly converts PHP data types including strings, integers, floats, booleans, and null values to JSON equivalents. Supports nested arrays maintaining full hierarchy and relationships.
JSON Formatting Options: Choose pretty print format with proper indentation for human-readable JSON perfect for debugging and documentation. Select compact format for minified JSON ideal for API responses and storage. Enable alphabetical key sorting for consistent output and better version control diffs. Control Unicode escaping for international character handling.
Type Conversion: Automatically converts PHP true/false to JSON boolean values. Transforms PHP null to JSON null. Handles numeric strings and converts them appropriately. Preserves string values with proper escaping. Manages special characters and escape sequences correctly ensuring valid JSON output.
Common Use Cases
API Development: Convert PHP data structures to JSON for REST API responses. Transform Laravel eloquent models and collections to JSON format. Generate JSON responses for AJAX requests. Export WordPress data as JSON for consumption by JavaScript frontends. Essential for modern web application development and microservices.
Data Export: Export database query results from PHP to JSON format. Convert PHP configuration arrays to JSON config files. Transform legacy PHP data structures for modern applications. Migrate data between PHP applications and JavaScript frameworks like React, Vue, Angular.
Testing & Debugging: Convert PHP arrays to JSON for unit testing API endpoints. Generate test data fixtures in JSON format from PHP code. Debug data structures by visualizing them as JSON. Share data examples with frontend developers in universal JSON format.
PHP Array Syntax Support
Tool supports traditional PHP array() syntax used in legacy applications. Works with modern PHP short array [] syntax from PHP 5.4+. Handles associative arrays with string keys using => operator. Processes indexed arrays with automatic numeric keys. Correctly parses nested arrays at any depth level. Supports mixed array types combining associative and indexed arrays.
How It Works
Our converter parses PHP array syntax analyzing structure and data types. It identifies array declarations removing PHP-specific syntax like $ and semicolons. The tool maps PHP data types to JSON equivalents ensuring compatibility. Nested structures are traversed maintaining hierarchy and relationships. Finally, it generates valid JSON with your chosen formatting options and character escaping preferences.
The parser handles edge cases like empty arrays, single-element arrays, deeply nested structures, and mixed data types. String escaping is performed correctly for quotes, backslashes, and special characters. Numeric values are preserved without quotes maintaining type integrity. Boolean values are converted from PHP true/false to JSON lowercase equivalents.
JSON Output Formats
Pretty print format adds proper indentation with configurable space levels. Each nesting level increases indentation for clear hierarchy visualization. Keys and values are separated with colons and proper spacing. Array elements and object properties are placed on separate lines for readability. Perfect for documentation, debugging, and human consumption.
Compact format removes all unnecessary whitespace creating minified JSON. Single line output reduces file size significantly. Ideal for API responses, storage optimization, and network transmission. Maintains valid JSON structure while minimizing bytes. Can reduce JSON size by 20-40% compared to formatted output.
Best Practices
Always use proper PHP array syntax in input for accurate parsing. Test converted JSON in target application before production use. Use pretty print during development for easier debugging. Switch to compact format for production APIs to save bandwidth. Enable key sorting when JSON is stored in version control systems. Consider Unicode escaping requirements based on target system capabilities.
Tips for Better Conversion
Remove PHP code outside array definition for cleaner parsing. Use consistent quote styles in PHP arrays for uniform output. Avoid complex PHP expressions in array values. Break very large arrays into smaller chunks if needed. Verify nested structure depth matches your requirements. Test with sample data before converting production arrays.
Start Converting PHP Arrays Now!
Paste your PHP array code, choose JSON format, and get instant conversion. Works with any valid PHP array structure. Try our free PHP Array to JSON converter today!