# PHP strnatcasecmp() Function

PHP String Reference

## Example

Compare two strings using a "natural" algorithm (case-insensitive):

<?php
echo strnatcasecmp("2Hello world!","10Hello WORLD!");
echo "<br>";
echo strnatcasecmp("10Hello world!","2Hello WORLD!");
?>
Run example »

## Definition and Usage

The strnatcasecmp() function compares two strings using a "natural" algorithm.

In a natural algorithm, the number 2 is less than the number 10. In computer sorting, 10 is less than 2, because the first number in "10" is less than 2.

Note: The strnatcasecmp() is case-insensitive.

## Syntax

strnatcasecmp(string1,string2)

Parameter | Description
--- | ---
string1 | Required. Specifies the first string to compare
string2 | Required. Specifies the second string to compare

## Technical Details

Return Value:

This function returns:

- 0 - if the two strings are equal
- <0 - if string1 is less than string2
- >0 - if string1 is greater than string2

PHP Version: | 4+

## More Examples

## Example 1

Difference between natural algorithm (strnatcmp) and regular computer string sorting algorithms (strcmp):

<?php
$arr1 = $arr2 = array("pic1","pic2","pic10","pic01","pic100","pic20","pic30","pic200");
echo "Standard string comparison"."<br>";
usort($arr1,"strcmp");
print_r($arr1);
echo "<br>";
echo "Natural order string comparison"."<br>";
usort($arr2,"strnatcmp");
print_r($arr2);
?>
Run example »

PHP String Reference

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