In PHP, how do I deep copy arrays for beginners?

In PHP, a deep copy of an array can be created using the `array_splice`, `unserialize`, or `json_decode` methods. Unlike a shallow copy, which just copies references to the nested variables, a deep copy creates entirely new instances of nested arrays.

Example of Deep Copying an Array in PHP

<?php $originalArray = array("foo" => "bar", "baz" => array("bat", "qux")); // Method 1: Using json_encode and json_decode $deepCopy = json_decode(json_encode($originalArray), true); // Method 2: Using serialize and unserialize // $deepCopy = unserialize(serialize($originalArray)); // Modifying the original array $originalArray["baz"][0] = "changed"; echo "Original Array: "; print_r($originalArray); echo "Deep Copied Array: "; print_r($deepCopy); ?>

Deep Copy PHP Arrays Array Functions PHP Programming PHP Tutorial