PHP allows functions to define default values for parameters. If a value is not provided during a function call, PHP automatically uses the predefined default value.
// Function syntax with default parameters
function functionName($param1 = defaultValue1, $param2 = defaultValue2) {
return $result;
}
// Function with a default name parameter
<?php
function greet($name = "Guest") {
return "Hello, $name!";
}
echo greet();
echo greet("Alice");
?>
// Function with multiple optional parameters
<?php
function calculate($a, $b = 10, $c = 5) {
return $a + $b + $c;
}
echo calculate(5);
echo calculate(5, 2);
echo calculate(5, 2, 1);
?>
// Required parameter followed by default parameter
<?php
function order($item, $quantity = 1) {
return "Order: $quantity $item(s)";
}
echo order("Book");
echo order("Pen", 3);
?>
When arguments are omitted, PHP automatically substitutes the default values. Passing a value explicitly replaces the default.
Try modifying default values and observe how output changes when arguments are omitted or passed.