Unique Objects with array_unique

In PHP, the array_unique function assists in eliminating duplicate values from an array. However, when working with arrays containing objects, this functionality may not seem to work as expected.

Enter a Solution:

For arrays of objects, you can utilize array_unique with the SORT_REGULAR comparison flag. This flag instructs the function to compare objects by their properties rather than their object references.

Implementation:

Consider an array of Role objects:

class Role {
    public $name;
}

$foo = new Role();
$foo->name = 'test1';

$bar = $foo;

$bam = new Role();
$bam->name = 'test2';

$test = array($foo, $bar, $bam);

To remove duplicates using array_unique:

print_r(array_unique($test, SORT_REGULAR));

Output:

Array (
    [0] => Role Object
        (
            [name] => test1
        )

    [2] => Role Object
        (
            [name] => test2
        )
)

Caution:

It's essential to note that array_unique with SORT_REGULAR uses the "==" comparison, not the strict comparison ("==="). This means that objects with identical properties but different object references will still be considered duplicates.