Two new functions array_first() and array_last()

[dg]

Description

PHP lacks two very basic functions for working with arrays:

• array_first() returning the first element of an array (or null)
• array_last() returning the last element of the array (or null)

While PHP has functions that return the first and last keys (array_key_first() and array_key_last()), it does not have more useful functions for values.

Thus, programmers "abuse" the reset() and end() functions for this purpose. The problem is that:

• these functions are used to move the internal pointer in the array
• which is why they have a name that is inappropriate when used in the sense of "return me the first element"
• have a side effect (i.e. moving the pointer)
• in the absence of an element, they return the obsolete false and not the currently expected null, which can be combined with the ?? operator
• in this they differ from the similar functions array_key_first() and array_key_last()

[damianwadley]

$array[array_key_first($array)]???

Anyway, two such functions were proposed and rejected during the array_key_first/last RFC.

[dg]

Why closed right away?

$array[array_key_first($array)]???

This can only be used with a variable. See array_first($this->getFoo()) versus $this->getFoo()[array_key_first($this->getFoo())].

Anyway, two such functions were proposed and rejected during the array_key_first/last RFC.

Yes, that was in 2018. At that time, functions like str_contains() or str_starts_with() wouldn't have even come into existence, just because there was an obscure way to replace them. I believe we've moved on since then.

[damianwadley]

Why closed right away?

Because I was online when I saw it come in.

This can only be used with a variable.

Oh, using a variable, how dreadful.

Yes, that was in 2018. [...] I believe we've moved on since then.

And you took the appropriate steps to my closing of this issue: going to the mailing list because you wanted to revive the subject.

But 5 years of PHP actually isn't that long, and more often than not, "I know this was decided on a few years ago but I want to bring it back up again" doesn't pan out. Will it work this time? Dunno.

[dg]

I've been working in PHP for 20 years, but I've never met an idiot like you. It really doesn't give a good impression that you're communicating for an official account.

[landsman]

@damianwadley what arogant guy are you. Did you heard about burnout? Go for help man.

[iluuu1994]

Please stay civil, personal attacks are not tolerated.

These functions seem useful to me. However, languages changes require at least a discussion on the mailing list and when there is disagreement an RFC. Since these functions have been rejected in the past, an RFC is likely necessary. We usually close GitHub issues that require RFCs specifically because the issue itself isn't helpful in advancing to a solution.