PHP natsort() Function

The PHP natsort() function is used to sort an array according to the value and maintaining key to value association. This function implements a sort algorithm which uses "natural ordering" and sorts alphanumerically.

Syntax

natsort(array)

Parameters

Return Value

Returns true on success and false in failure.

Exceptions

NA.

Example:

In the example below, natsort() function is used to sort an array alphanumerically.

<?php
$Arr = array("Red"=>"Color1",
             "Green"=>"Color2",
             "Blue"=>"Color3",
             "White"=>"Color20");
   
asort($Arr);
echo "Standard sorting\n";
print_r($Arr);  

natsort($Arr);
echo "\nNatural order sorting\n";
print_r($Arr);
?>

The output of the above code will be:

Standard sorting
Array
(
    [Red] => Color1
    [Green] => Color2
    [White] => Color20
    [Blue] => Color3
)

Natural order sorting
Array
(
    [Red] => Color1
    [Green] => Color2
    [Blue] => Color3
    [White] => Color20
)

Example:

Consider one more example where this function is used to sort an indexed array alphanumerically.

<?php
$Arr = array("Color1", "Color2", "Color3", 
             "Color20", "Color15", "Color25");
   
asort($Arr);
echo "Standard sorting\n";
print_r($Arr);  

natsort($Arr);
echo "\nNatural order sorting\n";
print_r($Arr);
?>

The output of the above code will be:

Standard sorting
Array
(
    [0] => Color1
    [4] => Color15
    [1] => Color2
    [3] => Color20
    [5] => Color25
    [2] => Color3
)

Natural order sorting
Array
(
    [0] => Color1
    [1] => Color2
    [2] => Color3
    [4] => Color15
    [3] => Color20
    [5] => Color25
)