The php Function Array_Replace
The php function array_replace is one of the most useful functions available in php for working with arrays. Its simple syntax and flexible parameters make it a versatile tool for use in many situations. It is important to note that array_replace operates on a copy of an array, not the original array itself. This is because in PHP, variables and arrays are passed by value, while objects are passed by reference.
The array_replace function allows you to replace values in an array with the values from other arrays based on key/index. It also can be recursive. It accepts two parameters, the first is an array from which values will be extracted, and the second is a list of arrays to be used for replacement. The arrays are processed in order, so if a key is present in more than one array, then the value of the last array will be used.
The difference between array_replace and other functions for updating arrays, such as array_merge or array_replace_recursive, is that these other functions operate on the original array and do not return a copy. This is important because it can be difficult to tell whether you are dealing with a copy or a reference when coding in PHP. The only way to be certain is to check the documentation for the function you are using.