pg_fetch_assoc() reads the next PostgreSQL result row as an associative array keyed by column names. This guide explains the function with focused examples and the decisions that matter in real applications.
What Is pg_fetch_assoc() in PHP?
Reads the next PostgreSQL result row as an associative array keyed by column names.
A typical call looks like this:
<?php
pg_fetch_assoc($queryResult);
The input arguments shown in the call identify the relevant connection, resource, value, path or configuration for the operation. Pay attention to argument order and to the return value demonstrated below.
In the examples, $databaseConnection is a PostgreSQL connection created with pg_connect(). A $queryResult is produced by pg_query(). Large-object handles are transaction-scoped. A false result should be treated as a failed operation, not as empty data.
Example 1: Basic Usage
This first example uses pg_fetch_assoc() directly to demonstrate its basic purpose.
<?php
$connectionString = getenv("PG_CONNECTION_STRING");
if (!$connectionString) { throw new RuntimeException("Configure PG_CONNECTION_STRING first."); }
$databaseConnection = pg_connect($connectionString);
if ($databaseConnection === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Connection failed."); }
$queryResult = pg_query($databaseConnection, "SELECT id, name, email FROM users ORDER BY id LIMIT 5");
if ($queryResult === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Query failed."); }
$result = pg_fetch_assoc($queryResult);
var_dump($result);
This call works with the particular connection or result object created above. The exact rows or database diagnostics depend on the example database.
Example 2: A Different Input or Option
The next example changes the input or option, showing another supported use of pg_fetch_assoc().
<?php
$connectionString = getenv("PG_CONNECTION_STRING");
if (!$connectionString) { throw new RuntimeException("Configure PG_CONNECTION_STRING first."); }
$databaseConnection = pg_connect($connectionString);
if ($databaseConnection === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Connection failed."); }
$queryResult = pg_query($databaseConnection, "SELECT id, name, email FROM users ORDER BY id LIMIT 5");
if ($queryResult === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Query failed."); }
$result = pg_fetch_assoc($queryResult, 1);
var_dump($result);
This call works with the particular connection or result object created above. The exact rows or database diagnostics depend on the example database.
Practical Example: Applying the Function
In application code, pg_fetch_assoc() belongs in a controlled workflow with input validation, a checked result and cleanup where needed.
<?php
$connectionString = getenv("PG_CONNECTION_STRING");
if (!$connectionString) { throw new RuntimeException("Configure PG_CONNECTION_STRING first."); }
$databaseConnection = pg_connect($connectionString);
if ($databaseConnection === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Connection failed."); }
$queryResult = pg_query($databaseConnection, "SELECT id, name, email FROM users ORDER BY id LIMIT 5");
if ($queryResult === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Query failed."); }
$result = pg_fetch_assoc($queryResult);
var_dump($result);
This call works with the particular connection or result object created above. The exact rows or database diagnostics depend on the example database.
Important Behavior and Edge Cases
- Main behavior: Reads the next PostgreSQL result row as an associative array keyed by column names.
- Important limitation: Returns false after the last row; NULL database values become PHP null.
- Requirements: PostgreSQL must be available, the pgsql extension must be enabled, and the connection must have suitable privileges.
Comparison With Related Functions
| Function or Approach | When to Use It |
|---|---|
pg_fetch_assoc() | Reads the next PostgreSQL result row as an associative array keyed by column names. |
pg_fetch_row | Reads the next result row as a numeric-indexed array of column values. |
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Correct Approach |
|---|---|
Ignoring the specific limits or preconditions of pg_fetch_assoc(). | Returns false after the last row; NULL database values become PHP null. |
| Assuming every environment produces the same result. | PostgreSQL must be available, the pgsql extension must be enabled, and the connection must have suitable privileges. |
Key Takeaways
- Reads the next PostgreSQL result row as an associative array keyed by column names.
- Returns false after the last row; NULL database values become PHP null.
- PostgreSQL must be available, the pgsql extension must be enabled, and the connection must have suitable privileges.
Use pg_fetch_assoc() when its behavior matches your task, and verify the relevant return value before taking further action. These examples are illustrative and require an existing PostgreSQL database containing the named example tables; do not run them against production data.