What is the difference between Array, stdClass and Typed class output?

Array generates a PHP associative array (json_decode equivalent with true flag) — the most common PHP pattern. stdClass generates an object structure equivalent to json_decode without the true flag. Typed class generates a PHP 8 class with typed properties and constructor promotion — for projects using PHP 8.0+ with strict type checking.

How are nested JSON objects handled in PHP?

In Array mode, nested objects become nested associative arrays: $data['address']['city']. In stdClass mode, they become nested objects: $data->address->city. In Typed class mode, each nested object generates a separate PHP class with its own typed properties.

Convert JSON to PHP — Array, stdClass & Typed Classes

JSON to PHP Generator 100% client-side

Use a representative JSON sample with non-null values for accurate type inference. Null fields become ?mixed in typed class mode.

JSON input

PHP ready

Array vs stdClass vs Typed class — which to choose

Three PHP output styles for three different use cases.

Style	PHP version	Access syntax	Best for
Array	Any PHP version	`$data['key']`	Most common PHP pattern. Equivalent to json_decode($json, true). Works with array functions (array_map, array_filter, etc.).
stdClass	Any PHP version	`$data->key`	When you prefer object syntax. Equivalent to json_decode($json) without the true flag. Properties accessed with ->.
Typed class	PHP 8.0+	`$obj->getName()`	Modern PHP with strict typing. Constructor promotion, typed properties, IDE autocompletion. Best for domain models and DTOs.

How JSON types map to PHP types

JSON value	PHP type	Notes
`"Alice"`	`string`	All JSON strings become string.
`42`	`int`	JSON integers become int.
`98.5`	`float`	JSON floats become float.
`true`	`bool`	Direct mapping.
`null`	`?mixed`	Null fields become nullable mixed — refine manually after generating.
`["a","b"]`	`array<string>`	Item type inferred from first element. Empty → `array<mixed>`.
`[{…}]`	`array<ChildClass>`	Array of objects → separate class + typed array.
`{…}`	`ChildClass`	Nested object → separate named class.

When do you need JSON to PHP?

Laravel and Symfony

Laravel and Symfony apps consume REST APIs and receive JSON payloads. Generate the PHP array or typed class from the API response JSON — then use it directly in your controller, service or repository. For Laravel, the typed class works perfectly as a DTO for FormRequest or API Resource output.

Configuration and fixtures

PHP config files are often arrays. Convert a JSON configuration file to a PHP array to use in a config/services.php or similar file — keeping JSON as the source of truth while generating the PHP equivalent for frameworks that require native PHP arrays.

PHPUnit test fixtures

PHPUnit tests need PHP arrays or objects that match your API response structure. Generate the PHP array from a real API response JSON — then use it as the expected value in your assertions or as the mock return value for a repository stub.

Third-party API integration

Integrating a payment gateway, shipping provider or CRM API? Generate typed PHP classes from the API documentation JSON examples — giving you IDE autocompletion, static analysis with PHPStan or Psalm, and type safety across the integration layer.

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The entire PHP generation runs in JavaScript locally. Your JSON is parsed and traversed entirely in your browser — it is never transmitted to any server. The generated code follows PHP 8 conventions: constructor promotion, typed properties, nullable syntax and array type hints.

The Array output is identical to what json_decode($json, true) returns at runtime — a nested associative array you can use with array functions, pass to views or store in session without any class instantiation.

3 output styles

Array, stdClass and typed PHP 8 class — covering every PHP version and coding style from legacy PHP 5 projects to modern PHP 8.2.

Constructor promotion

PHP 8 typed classes use constructor promotion — the most concise PHP 8 syntax, eliminating the need for separate property declarations.

Nested classes

Each nested JSON object generates a separate PHP class — no untyped arrays for nested data. Fully typed from root to leaf.

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Frequently asked questions

Common questions about converting JSON to PHP.

How do I convert JSON to a PHP array?

Paste your JSON into the converter above, select the Array output style, and click Generate. The output is equivalent to json_decode($json, true) — a nested PHP associative array. Copy the array definition directly into your PHP code as a static fixture or config value.

How do I decode JSON in PHP at runtime?

Use json_decode(): $array = json_decode($json, true) for an associative array, or $obj = json_decode($json) for a stdClass object. Always check json_last_error() === JSON_ERROR_NONE after decoding. In PHP 7.3+, you can pass JSON_THROW_ON_ERROR as the flags parameter to throw a JsonException instead.

What is constructor promotion in PHP 8?

Constructor promotion lets you declare and assign class properties directly in the constructor signature — public function __construct(public string $name, public int $age) {} — instead of declaring properties separately and assigning them in the constructor body. It's the most concise way to write PHP data classes and DTOs.

Is the JSON to PHP converter free?

Yes, completely free. No file size limits, no account required. JSONshift is funded by non-intrusive display advertising.

Convert JSON to PHParray, stdClassor typed class.

PHP generated inyour browser. No upload.

Convert JSON to PHP
array, stdClass
or typed class.

PHP generated in
your browser. No upload.