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PHP LimitIterator::rewind() Method: Usage and Examples

PHP LimitIterator::rewind() Method: Usage and Examples: Restarts traversal when supported by the wrapped iterator.

1 views Published Oct 17, 2026 Updated Oct 17, 2026 admin

An iterator has a current position and advances only when traversal is requested.

What Is LimitIterator::rewind in PHP?


Restarts traversal when supported by the wrapped iterator.

LimitIterator::rewind()

This operation does not accept method arguments.

Example 1: Understanding the Basic Behavior


<?php

$iterator = new LimitIterator(new ArrayIterator(["north"=>10,"south"=>20,"west"=>30]), 1, 2);
$iterator->rewind();
var_dump($iterator->current());

Output:

int(20)

Explanation: Restarts traversal when supported by the wrapped iterator.

Example 2: Testing Another Case


<?php

$iterator = new LimitIterator(new ArrayIterator(["apple","pear","plum"]), 1, 2);
$iterator->rewind();
var_dump($iterator->current());

Output:

string(4) "pear"

Explanation: Rewinding is not supported equally by every Traversable source, especially consumed generators.

Practical Example: Applying the Operation


<?php

$iterator = new LimitIterator(new ArrayIterator(["red"=>"ready","blue"=>"waiting","green"=>"done"]), 1, 2);
$iterator->rewind();
var_dump($iterator->current());

Output:

string(7) "waiting"

Explanation: Most iterator methods depend on cursor position, and behavior after exhaustion depends on the underlying iterator.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases


  • Rewinding is not supported equally by every Traversable source, especially consumed generators.
  • Most iterator methods depend on cursor position, and behavior after exhaustion depends on the underlying iterator.

Comparison With Related Approaches


ApproachWhen to Use It
LimitIterator::rewindRestarts traversal when supported by the wrapped iterator.
ArrayIteratorArrayIterator wraps an array; iterator decorators can modify traversal without copying the source values.

Common Beginner Mistakes


MistakeCorrect Approach
Assuming every wrapped iterator can restart, even after a generator has advanced.Rewinding is not supported equally by every Traversable source, especially consumed generators.
Choosing ArrayIterator without checking whether it provides the same result.ArrayIterator wraps an array; iterator decorators can modify traversal without copying the source values.

Key Takeaways


  • Restarts traversal when supported by the wrapped iterator.
  • Rewinding is not supported equally by every Traversable source, especially consumed generators.
  • Most iterator methods depend on cursor position, and behavior after exhaustion depends on the underlying iterator.

The examples demonstrate where LimitIterator::rewind fits within traversable collections. Verify the relevant preconditions whenever you adapt the code to real data.

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