PHP Array to JSON Converter

Convert PHP arrays to JSON and JSON to PHP arrays online

All conversions are done locally in your browser. Your data is never sent to any server.

About PHP Array to JSON Converter

This free online tool provides instant conversion between PHP array syntax and JSON format. Perfect for developers working with APIs, data migration, configuration files, or anyone who needs to convert between PHP and JSON data structures.

Whether you're converting API responses from JSON to PHP arrays for your application, or exporting PHP data structures to JSON for interoperability, this tool handles both directions seamlessly. It supports both old-style PHP array() syntax and modern short [] syntax, giving you flexibility in how you work with PHP arrays.

All conversions happen entirely in your browser - your data never leaves your device, making it completely safe for sensitive configuration data, API keys, or proprietary information.

How to Use This Tool

  1. Select conversion mode: Choose whether you want to convert from PHP Array to JSON or from JSON to PHP Array
  2. Paste your data: Enter your PHP array or JSON data in the input area
  3. Configure options:
    • For JSON output: Choose between pretty-printed or compact format
    • For PHP output: Choose between short [] or traditional array() syntax
  4. Click Convert: The tool will instantly convert your data
  5. Copy or Download: Use the Copy button to copy to clipboard, or Download to save as a file
  6. Swap directions: Click the Swap button to quickly reverse the conversion direction

Key Features

  • Bidirectional Conversion: Convert PHP arrays to JSON and JSON to PHP arrays
  • Multiple PHP Syntaxes: Support for both [] short syntax and array() traditional syntax
  • Flexible JSON Formatting: Output pretty-printed or compact JSON
  • Syntax Validation: Automatic validation with detailed error messages
  • Preserves Data Types: Maintains strings, numbers, booleans, and null values
  • Handles Nested Structures: Works with deeply nested arrays and objects
  • Copy to Clipboard: One-click copying of converted output
  • Download as File: Save converted data as .json or .php files
  • var_export Format: Option to use PHP's var_export() style output
  • Completely Client-Side: All processing happens in your browser

PHP Array Syntax Guide

PHP arrays can be written in two different syntaxes:

Short Array Syntax (PHP 5.4+)

[
    "name" => "John",
    "age" => 30,
    "cities" => ["Singapore", "Tokyo"]
]

Traditional Array Syntax

array(
    "name" => "John",
    "age" => 30,
    "cities" => array("Singapore", "Tokyo")
)

Numeric Indexed Arrays

["apple", "banana", "orange"]
// or
array("apple", "banana", "orange")

JSON Format Examples

Pretty-Printed JSON

{
    "name": "John",
    "age": 30,
    "cities": [
        "Singapore",
        "Tokyo"
    ]
}

Compact JSON

{"name":"John","age":30,"cities":["Singapore","Tokyo"]}

Common Use Cases

  • API Development: Convert JSON API responses to PHP arrays for processing in your application
  • Data Migration: Transform data between PHP and JSON formats when migrating between systems
  • Configuration Files: Convert between PHP config arrays and JSON config files
  • Testing & Debugging: Quickly convert test data between formats
  • Database Seeding: Convert JSON data dumps to PHP array format for database seeders
  • Code Generation: Generate PHP array code from JSON schemas or API documentation
  • Frontend-Backend Communication: Bridge data formats between PHP backend and JavaScript frontend
  • Documentation: Create code examples in both PHP and JSON formats

Conversion Examples

Example 1: Simple Associative Array

PHP Array:

[
    "name" => "John Doe",
    "email" => "[email protected]",
    "role" => "developer"
]

JSON:

{
    "name": "John Doe",
    "email": "[email protected]",
    "role": "developer"
}

Example 2: Nested Array with Mixed Types

PHP Array:

[
    "user" => [
        "id" => 123,
        "active" => true,
        "tags" => ["admin", "verified"]
    ]
]

JSON:

{
    "user": {
        "id": 123,
        "active": true,
        "tags": ["admin", "verified"]
    }
}

Example 3: Numeric Indexed Array

PHP Array:

["red", "green", "blue"]

JSON:

["red", "green", "blue"]

Important Notes

⚠️ Data Type Considerations:

  • PHP associative arrays with string keys convert to JSON objects
  • PHP numeric indexed arrays convert to JSON arrays
  • JSON objects always convert to PHP associative arrays
  • Boolean values (true/false) are preserved in both directions
  • Null values are maintained during conversion

💡 PHP Syntax Notes:

  • Short array syntax [] requires PHP 5.4 or higher
  • Traditional array() syntax works on all PHP versions
  • The tool automatically detects and preserves your preferred syntax
  • String keys must be quoted in PHP arrays

✓ Best Practices:

  • Use short array syntax [] for modern PHP projects (5.4+)
  • Pretty-print JSON for human readability and version control
  • Minify JSON for production APIs to reduce bandwidth
  • Always validate your data after conversion
  • Test edge cases with your actual data structures

Privacy & Security

Your privacy and data security are our top priorities. This converter operates with complete client-side processing:

  • No Server Communication: All conversions happen entirely in your browser using JavaScript
  • No Data Storage: We do not store, log, or transmit any of your input data
  • Works Offline: Once loaded, the tool works without internet connection
  • Safe for Sensitive Data: Use freely with API keys, configuration files, or proprietary data
  • No Tracking: Your conversion history is never recorded
  • Open Source: The conversion logic is transparent and can be inspected

This makes our tool ideal for developers working with sensitive data, enterprise applications, or anyone who values privacy.

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