array_push on Non-Array

Why This Happens

array_push() requires its first argument to be an array. If the variable is null, uninitialized, or a different type, PHP throws a TypeError in PHP 8+ or a warning in earlier versions. This commonly happens when the array is conditionally initialized or comes from a function that can return null.

The Problem

$items = null;
array_push($items, 'new item'); // $items is null, not an array

The Fix

$items = [];
$items[] = 'new item'; // Simpler than array_push for single items

// Or initialize before push:
$items = $items ?? [];
array_push($items, 'new item');

Step-by-Step Fix

1. 1

   Check the variable type

   Verify the variable is an array before calling array_push. Use var_dump() or is_array() to check.

2. 2

   Initialize as empty array

   Ensure the variable is initialized as an empty array [] before any push operations.

3. 3

   Use [] syntax

   For single-item pushes, use $array[] = $value instead of array_push(). It is simpler and slightly faster.