? PHP Data Types

? Quick Overview

PHP supports several data types that describe the kind of data a variable can hold. PHP is loosely typed, so you don't need to declare the data type explicitly.

? Key Concepts

String: A sequence of characters.
Integer: Whole numbers.
Float (Double): Decimal numbers.
Boolean: Represents true or false.
Array: Stores multiple values.
Object: Stores data and functions in a class.
NULL: A variable with no value.

? Syntax & Theory

PHP automatically determines the data type of a variable based on the value assigned to it. This behavior is known as dynamic typing.

? Interactive Data Type Detector

Type anything below to see how PHP would interpret its data type (Simulated):

Waiting for input...

Try: 123, 45.67, true, null, or Hello

? Code Example

? View Code Example

// Demonstrating common PHP data types using var_dump
<?php
$txt = "Hello PHP";
$num = 123;
$price = 99.99;
$is_active = true;
$colors = array("red", "green", "blue");
$empty = null;

var_dump($txt);
var_dump($num);
var_dump($price);
var_dump($is_active);
var_dump($colors);
var_dump($empty);
?>

? Output Explanation

The var_dump() function displays both the data type and value of each variable, helping developers understand how PHP interprets different values.

? Interactive Understanding

Mentally trace how PHP assigns data types automatically when values change. Try changing a variable from a number to text and observe the new output using var_dump().

? Use Cases

Handling user input from forms
Storing configuration values
Working with database results
Performing calculations and comparisons

✅ Tips & Best Practices

Use var_dump() or gettype() to inspect variable types.
Be cautious with automatic type juggling.
Use strict comparisons (===) when type matters.

? Try It Yourself

Create a file named datatypes.php.
Declare one variable of each PHP data type.
Use var_dump() to display their type and value.
Experiment by changing values and observing results.