PHP Data Types

PHP Data Types – Understand Variables and Type Handling

PHP supports different data types to store various kinds of values. Understanding data types is essential for efficient programming in PHP.

1. String

A string is a sequence of characters enclosed in single or double quotes.

<?php
    $str1 = "Hello, World!";
    $str2 = 'PHP is awesome!';
        
    echo $str1;
    echo $str2;
?>

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2. Integer

An integer is a whole number, positive or negative, without decimals.

<?php
    $num1 = 100;
    $num2 = -50;

    echo $num1;
    echo $num2;
?>

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3. Float (Double)

A float (or double) is a number with a decimal point or exponential notation.

<?php
    $price = 99.99;
    $scientific = 1.2e3; // 1200

    echo $price;
    echo $scientific;
?>

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4. Boolean

A boolean represents two possible states: true or false.

<?php
    $is_admin = true;
    $is_guest = false;

    echo $is_admin; // Outputs 1 (true)
    echo $is_guest; // Outputs nothing (false)
?>

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5. Array

An array stores multiple values in one variable.

<?php
    $colors = array("Red", "Green", "Blue");

    echo $colors[0]; // Outputs: Red
?>

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6. Object

An object is an instance of a class that contains properties and methods.

<?php
    class Car {
        public $brand;
        public $color;

        function __construct($brand, $color) {
            $this->brand = $brand;
            $this->color = $color;
        }

        function getInfo() {
            return "This is a " . $this->color . " " . $this->brand;
        }
    }

    $car1 = new Car("Toyota", "Red");
    echo $car1->getInfo();
?>

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7. NULL

The NULL data type represents a variable with no value.

<?php
    $var = NULL;
    echo $var; // Outputs nothing
?>

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8. Resource

A resource is a special variable that holds a reference to an external resource, such as a database connection.

Checking Data Types

You can use PHP functions like var_dump() and gettype() to check data types.

<?php
    $name = "Alice";
    $age = 30;
    $price = 9.99;
    $is_active = true;

    var_dump($name);  // string(5) "Alice"
    var_dump($age);   // int(30)
    var_dump($price); // float(9.99)
    var_dump($is_active); // bool(true)
?>

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Conclusion

PHP supports various data types such as strings, integers, floats, booleans, arrays, objects, NULL, and resources. Understanding them helps in effective data handling.