HH\idx

Returns the value at an index of an array

namespace HH;

function idx<Tk as arraykey, Tv>(
  ?KeyedContainer<Tk, Tv> $collection,
  ?Tk $index,
  mixed $default = NULL,
);

This function simplifies the common pattern of checking for an index in an array and selecting a default value if it does not exist. You should NOT use idx as a general replacement for accessing array indices.

idx is used to look for an index in an array, and return either the value at that index (if it exists) or some default (if it does not). Without idx, you need to do this:

array_key_exists('index', $arr) ? $arr['index'] : $default

This is verbose, and duplicates the variable name and index name, which can lead to errors. With idx, you can simplify the expression:

idx($arr, 'index', $default);

The value $default is optional, and defaults to null if unspecified.

The array $arr is permitted to be null; if it is null, idx guarantees it will return $default.

You should NOT use idx as a general replacement for accessing array indices. If you expect 'index' to always exist, DON'T use idx()!

// COUNTEREXAMPLE
idx($arr, 'index'); // If you expect 'index' to exist, this is WRONG!

Instead, just access it normally like a sensible human being:

$arr['index']

This will give you a helpful warning if the index doesn't exist, allowing you to identify a bug in your program and fix it. In contrast, idx() will fail silently if the index doesn't exist, which won't help you out at all.

idx is for default selection, not a blanket replacement for array access.

Finally, you should NOT fix errors about array indexes in parts of the code you don't understand by just replacing an array access with a call to idx. This is sweeping the problem under the rug. Instead, you need to actually understand the problem and determine the most appropriate solution. It is possible that this really is idx, but you can only make that determination after understanding the context of the error.

Parameters

• ?KeyedContainer<Tk, Tv> $collection
• ?Tk $index
• mixed $default = NULL - Default value to return if index is not found. By default, this is null.

Returns

• mixed - Value at array index if it exists, or the default value if not.