Associative array is a collection of key-value pairs, where each unique key maps to a corresponding value. Think of it like a phonebook, but instead of looking up people by their names to find a phone number, you're looking up data values by their keys - perfect for when you can't be bothered to remember numeric indexes.

How to use it in a sentence

I was going to store the user data in a regular array, but then I realized I'd have to remember the index number for each user - screw that, I'll just use an associative array and look them up by their username. Some joker on the team decided to store all our API keys in an associative array called $ZUCC_SUCKS - real mature, guy.

If you actually want to learn more...

• Associative Arrays in PHP: The official PHP docs explain associative arrays in excruciating detail, if you're into that sort of thing.

• Hash Table vs Associative Array: Some nerds on Stack Overflow debate the finer points of associative arrays vs. hash tables, because apparently that's a thing people argue about.

• JavaScript Object Basics: MDN breaks down the basics of JavaScript objects, which are basically just glorified associative arrays.

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