# PHP current() Function

PHP Array Reference

## Example

Output the value of the current element in an array:

<?php
$people = array("Peter", "Joe", "Glenn", "Cleveland");
echo current($people) . "<br>";
?>
Run example »

## Definition and Usage

The current() function returns the value of the current element in an array.

Every array has an internal pointer to its "current" element, which is initialized to the first element inserted into the array.

Tip: This function does not move the arrays internal pointer.

Related methods:

- end() - moves the internal pointer to, and outputs, the last element in the array
- next() - moves the internal pointer to, and outputs, the next element in the array
- prev() - moves the internal pointer to, and outputs, the previous element in the array
- reset() - moves the internal pointer to the first element of the array
- each() - returns the current element key and value, and moves the internal pointer forward

## Syntax

current(array)

Parameter | Description
--- | ---
array | Required. Specifies the array to use

## Technical Details

Return Value: | Returns the value of the current element in an array, or FALSE on empty elements or elements with no value
PHP Version: | 4+

## More Examples

## Example 1

A demonstration of all related methods:

<?php
$people = array("Peter", "Joe", "Glenn", "Cleveland");
echo current($people) . "<br>"; // The current element is Peter
echo next($people) . "<br>"; // The next element of Peter is Joe
echo current($people) . "<br>"; // Now the current element is Joe
echo prev($people) . "<br>"; // The previous element of Joe is Peter
echo end($people) . "<br>"; // The last element is Cleveland
echo prev($people) . "<br>"; // The previous element of Cleveland is Glenn
echo current($people) . "<br>"; // Now the current element is Glenn
echo reset($people) . "<br>"; // Moves the internal pointer to the first element of the array, which is Peter
echo next($people) . "<br>"; // The next element of Peter is Joe
print_r (each($people)); // Returns the key and value of the current element (now Joe), and moves the internal pointer forward
?>
Run example »

PHP Array Reference

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