What is the difference between accessing a value in an array using square brackets and using PHP functions?

When accessing a value in an array using square brackets, you directly reference the index of the value you want to retrieve. On the other hand, using PHP functions like `array_key_exists()` or `isset()` allows you to check if a specific key exists in the array before trying to access its value. This can help prevent errors or warnings when dealing with arrays that may not have all the expected keys. 

// Using square brackets to access a value in an array
$array = ['key' => 'value'];
$value = $array['key'];

// Using PHP function array_key_exists() to check if a key exists before accessing its value
$array = ['key' => 'value'];
if (array_key_exists('key', $array)) {
    $value = $array['key'];
}

Keywords

array square brackets PHP functions difference value access

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