Sort array of objects by object fields

Use usort, here's an example adapted from the manual:

function cmp($a, $b) {
    return strcmp($a->name, $b->name);
}

usort($your_data, "cmp");

You can also use any callable as the second argument. Here are some examples:

  • Using anonymous functions (from PHP 5.3)

      usort($your_data, function($a, $b) {return strcmp($a->name, $b->name);});
    
  • From inside a class

      usort($your_data, array($this, "cmp")); // "cmp" should be a method in the class
    
  • Using arrow functions (from PHP 7.4)

      usort($your_data, fn($a, $b) => strcmp($a->name, $b->name));
    

Also, if you're comparing numeric values, fn($a, $b) => $a->count - $b->count as the "compare" function should do the trick, or, if you want yet another way of doing the same thing, starting from PHP 7 you can use the Spaceship operator, like this: fn($a, $b) => $a->count <=> $b->count.


Heres a nicer way using closures

usort($your_data, function($a, $b)
{
    return strcmp($a->name, $b->name);
});

Please note this is not in PHP's documentation but if you using 5.3+ closures are supported where callable arguments can be provided.


If you want to sort integer values:

// Desc sort
usort($array,function($first,$second){
    return $first->number < $second->number;
});

// Asc sort
usort($array,function($first,$second){
    return $first->number > $second->number;
});

UPDATED with the string don't forget to convert to the same register (upper or lower)

// Desc sort
usort($array,function($first,$second){
    return strtolower($first->text) < strtolower($second->text);
});

// Asc sort
usort($array,function($first,$second){
    return strtolower($first->text) > strtolower($second->text);
});