PHP array_unshift is an inbuilt Function in PHP. It adds one or more elements in the beginning of an array. Also, it adds new elements starting with the 0 index. In this article, we will discuss the PHP array_unshift Function. Also, we will discuss a few examples of using it.
Note: PHP array_push Function adds new elements at the end of the array.
Syntax
int array_unshift($array, $val1, $val2, $val3….)
Parameters
The PHP array_unshift Function expects atleast two parameters. However, you can pass multiple parameters to the function depending on the number of new elements. The description of the parameters is as follows:
- $array: The first parameter is a mandatory array in which the function adds new elements.
- $val1, $val2…$valN: You need to pass atleast one value to the function. However, if you want to insert more than one element in the array, then they are passed as comma separated parameters.
Return Value
The function returns the total number of elements in the new array. The function adds new elements starting from 0

Examples
Let’s discuss a few examples of using the array_unshift Function in PHP.
Example 1: Simple Numerical Array
For instance, consider a simple numerical array.
<?php $testArray = array(1, 2, 3, 4); //Inserting 5 in the beginning array_unshift($testArray, 5); print_r($testArray); /* Array ( [0] => 5 [1] => 1 [2] => 2 [3] => 3 [4] => 4 ) */ //Inserting More elements in the beginning array_unshift($testArray, 6, 7); print_r($testArray); /* Array ( [0] => 6 [1] => 7 [2] => 5 [3] => 1 [4] => 2 [5] => 3 [6] => 4 ) */ ?>
You can observe the following in the above example:
- The function adds new elements to the beginning of the array.
- The array is re-indexed and new elements always start from 0 index.
- Also, you can pass multiple values to the function and the function will add the values at the beginning of the array.
Example 2: Associative Array
For example, consider an associative array.
<?php $testArray = array( 'a' => 'apple', 'b' => 'ball', 'c' => 'cat' ); //Inserting mango in the beginning array_unshift($testArray, 'mango'); print_r($testArray); /* Array ( [0] => mango [a] => apple [b] => ball [c] => cat ) */ ?>
In the above example, notice that the function adds new elements always to the beginning. Also, it does not change the existing string keys in an associative array.
Expert Tip: Preserving Keys
The PHP array_unshift Function always re-indexes the array after adding new elements to the beginning. You can preserve the existing keys by using the (+) operator. This is explained in the example below:
<?php $testArray = array( 'a' => 'apple', 'b' => 'ball', 'c' => 'cat' ); $testArray = array('m' => 'mango') + $testArray; print_r($testArray); /* Array ( [m] => mango [a] => apple [b] => ball [c] => cat ) */ ?>
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed the PHP array_unshift Function. You can read more about it on the Official PHP Documentation. Also, you can learn about more PHP Array Functions on Concatly.

Vishesh is currently working as a Lead Software Engineer at Naukri.com. He passed out of Delhi College of Engineering in 2016 and likes to play Foosball. He loves traveling and is an exercise freak. His expertise includes Java, PHP, Python, Databases, Design and Architecture.