Remove All Variations of the Same Number in an Array Using PHP

Learn how to efficiently remove all variations of the same number while keeping the original number in the array using PHP.
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How to Remove Variations of the Same Number in an Array Using PHP

When working with arrays in PHP, you may encounter scenarios where you need to filter out similar numbers while preserving the original form. For instance, if you have variations of numbers in your array that are essentially the same (e.g. 051, 501, and 150), how can you remove all duplicates while maintaining a single instance? This is a common problem faced by developers when dealing with number combinations extracted from files. In this guide, we will guide you through a solution to this problem using PHP.

The Scenario

Consider the following array of numbers that you read from a file:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

You want to eliminate variations of these numbers, keeping only one representation of each unique number. This is particularly important when you are generating combinations and want to avoid duplicates in your final output.

The Solution

To effectively remove the variations of numbers while retaining the original, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Convert Each Number to a Sorted String

The first step is to sort the digits of each number. This action effectively groups all variations of a number into a common representation.

For example:

The variations 051, 501, and 150 all convert to 015 when their digits are sorted.

Step 2: Use array_unique() to Filter Duplicates

By applying the array_unique() function, you can remove the duplicates based on the transformed string of digits.

Step 3: Retrieve Original Numbers

Lastly, you can use array_intersect_key() to map the keys of unique numbers back to their original representations in the array.

Final Code Example

Here's the complete PHP code implementing the solution:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Output

When you run the above code, you will get the following efficient result:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

Removing variations of the same number in an array using PHP can be simplified using string manipulation and built-in array functions. By sorting the digits, applying array_unique(), and extracting the original numbers, you can efficiently reduce an array without duplicates. This process keeps your data clean and organized, making it ready for further processing or analysis.

If you find yourself needing to solve similar problems, leverage this approach in your PHP code to maintain clarity and efficiency in your number arrays!