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Asked: 2026-05-14T05:42:07+00:00

So I need to encode an array in PHP and store it in plain

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So I need to encode an array in PHP and store it in plain text in MySQL database, my question is should I use serialize() or json_encode()? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of them?

I think either of them would do in this situation. But which one would you prefer and why? If it is for something other than an array?

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  1. Editorial Team

    Main advantage of serialize : it’s specific to PHP, which means it can represent PHP types, including instances of your own classes — and you’ll get your objects back, still instances of your classes, when unserializing your data.

    Main advantage of json_encode : JSON is not specific to PHP : there are libraries to read/write it in several languages — which means it’s better if you want something that can be manipulated with another language than PHP.

    A JSON string is also easier to read/write/modify by hand than a serialized one.

    On the other hand, as JSON is not specific to PHP, it’s not aware of the stuff that’s specific to PHP — like data-types.

    As a couple of sidenotes :

    • Even if there is a small difference in speed between those two, it shouldn’t matter much : you will probably not serialize/unserialize a lot of data
    • Are you sure this is the best way to store data in a database ?
      • You won’t be able to do much queries on serialized strins, in a DB : you will not be able to use your data in where clauses, nor update it without the intervention of PHP…
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