PHP array to JSON converter
Reads a PHP array literal as written in code and gives you the JSON that json_encode would produce, without running any PHP.
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Processing and privacy: The result is calculated inside your browser and your data is not sent to any server.
How to use it
- Enter php array and indent.
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
String keys holding canonical integers such as '5' become integer keys, and an item without a key takes the largest integer key plus 1 (PHP 8.3 rule). If the keys are exactly 0, 1, 2 in order the array becomes a JSON list, otherwise a JSON object. Hex, binary and octal numbers become decimal.
Example
Inputs: Indent = 2 spaces. Result: JSON: { "name": "ToolSahla", "version": 2, "debug": false, "langs": [ "ar", "en" ], "db": { "host": "localhost", "port": 3306 } }; Values converted: 7.
$config = [
'name' => 'ToolSahla',
'version' => 2,
'debug' => false,
'langs' => ['ar', 'en'],
'db' => array('host' => 'localhost', 'port' => 3306),
];{
"name": "ToolSahla",
"version": 2,
"debug": false,
"langs": [
"ar",
"en"
],
"db": {
"host": "localhost",
"port": 3306
}
}Limits and caveats
- Only literal values are read: variables, constants and function calls give an error.
- Heredoc, nowdoc and float keys are not supported.
Questions about this tool
Can I paste $config = [ ]; as a whole?
Yes. The tool skips <?php, return, $name = and the final semicolon, and accepts //, # and /* */ comments.
Why did my array become a JSON object?
Because its keys are not exactly 0, 1, 2 in order. json_encode does the same, so [3 => 'a'] becomes {"3": "a"}.
How are duplicate keys handled?
The last value wins and the key keeps its first position, exactly as in PHP.