PHP natcasesort() Function (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 20 Jun, 2023

The natcasesort() function is an inbuilt function in PHP which is used to sort an array by using a "natural order" algorithm. The natural order tells the order to be used as a normal human being would use. That is, it does not check the type of value for comparison. For example, in string representation 30 is less than 7 according to the standard sorting algorithm as 3 comes before 7 lexicographically. But in natural order 30 is greater than 7. Also, the natcasesort() function is case insensitive. Syntax:

bool natcasesort($array )

Parameters: This function accepts a single parameter $array. It is the array which natcasesort() function is going to sort. Return Value It returns a boolean value i.e., TRUE on success and FALSE on failure. Below programs illustrate the natcasesort() function in PHP: Program 1:

PHP `

arr2=arr2 = arr2=arr1; // sorting using sort function. sort($arr1); echo "Standard sorting\n"; print_r($arr1); // Sorting using natcasesort() function. natcasesort($arr2); echo "Natural order case insensitive: "; print_r($arr2); ?>

Output:

Standard sorting: Array ( [0] => Gfg12.jpeg [2] => Gfg2.jpeg [3] => gfg1.jpeg [1] => gfg10.jpeg )

Natural order case insensitive: Array ( [3] => gfg1.jpeg [2] => Gfg2.jpeg [1] => gfg10.jpeg [0] => Gfg12.jpeg )

Program 2:

PHP `

Output:

Array ( [2] => Gfg1.jpeg [4] => Gfg2.jpeg [1] => gfg10.jpeg [0] => Gfg15.jpeg [3] => gfg22.jpeg )

Reference: https://www.php.net/manual/en/function.natcasesort.php