PHP next is an inbuilt function in PHP. It moves the internal pointer to the immediate next element to the current element of the array. In this article, we will discuss the PHP next Function.
Syntax
next ($array)
Parameters
The function expects only one parameter. The input array is passed as the parameter to the function.
Return Value
The function returns the element which is immediately next to the element the internal pointer is currently pointing to. However, if the array is empty, or there is no element next to the current element, the function returns FALSE.

Examples
Example 1: Basic Usage
Let’s consider the following example of using the function.
<?php $testArray = array('Apple', 'Mango', 'Banana'); echo current($testArray); //Apple. The first element is Apple echo next($testArray); //Mango. The next element is Mango ?>
In the above example, we move the internal pointer to the next of the current element. The function returns Mango.
Example 2: When the Next Element Does Not Exist
For instance, consider a scenario when the previous element to the current element does not exist.
<?php $testArray = array('Apple'); echo current($testArray); //Apple. The first element is Apple var_dump(next($testArray)); //bool(false). There is no element next to the current element ?>
In the above example, the function returns FALSE.
Related Functions
<?php $testArray = array('Apple', 'Mango', 'Banana'); echo current($testArray); //Apple. The first element is Apple echo next($testArray); //Mango. The next element is Mango echo current($testArray); //Mango. Now the current element is Mango echo prev($testArray); //Apple. The previous element is Apple echo end($testArray); //Banana. The last element is Banana echo reset($testArray); //Apple. Moves the internal pointer back to the first element ?>
- current: Returns the current position of the internal pointer.
- prev: Moves the internal pointer to the immediate previous element to the current element of the array.
- end: Moves the internal pointer to the last element of the array.
- reset: Returns the internal pointer to the first element of the array.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we discussed the PHP next Function. You can read more about it on the Official PHP Documentation. Additionally, you can learn about other 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.