php - mysql fetch assoc VS mysql fetch array

Question

Below are two methods commonly used in most php codes for fetch mysql data .

1. mysql_fetch_array()
2. mysql_fetch_assoc()

Now, I have a big database. For fetching data in loops (while) what's faster and better ?

I found this benchmark.

Which is your choice?

Answer 1

It depends on how your tables are setup:

mysql_fetch_array() essentially returns two arrays one with numeric index, one with associative string index.

So using mysql_fetch_array() without specifying MYSQL_ASSOC or MYSQL_NUM, or by specifying MYSQL_BOTH will return two arrays (basically what mysql_fetch_assoc() and mysql_fetch_row() would return) so mysql_fetch_assoc() is faster.

If you have your table setup right and query written properly mysql_fetch_assoc() is the way to go, code readability wise $result['username'] is easier to understand than $result[0].