Hello, budding PHP developers!
Operators in PHP are symbols that tell the compiler to perform specific mathematical or logical computations. The value the operator uses is called an operand. PHP encompasses various types of operators: arithmetic, comparison, assignment, and logical.
Each serves a unique purpose, allowing you to manipulate data in diverse ways. Ready to operate with operators? Let’s dive in!
Arithmetic Operators
These are used for mathematical operations:
Addition (+): Adds two operands.
$x = 5;
$y = 3;
echo $x + $y; // Outputs: 8
Subtraction (-): Subtracts the right operand from the left.
echo $x - $y; // Outputs: 2
Multiplication (*): Multiplies two operands.
echo $x * $y; // Outputs: 15
Division (/): Divides the left operand by the right.
echo $x / $y; // Outputs: 1.6667
Comparison Operators
Used to compare two values:
- Equal (==): Checks if two values are equal.
$x = 5;
$y = "5";
var_dump($x == $y); // Outputs: bool(true)
- Identical (===): Checks if two values are equal and of the same type.
var_dump($x === $y); // Outputs: bool(false)
- Not Equal (!= or <>): Checks if two values are not equal.
var_dump($x != $y); // Outputs: bool(false)
Assignment Operators
Used to assign values to variables:
- Assign (=): Assigns the value of the right operand to the left variable.
$z = $x;
echo $z; // Outputs: 5
- Add and Assign (+=): Adds the right operand to the left and assigns the result to the left operand.
$x += $y; // Equivalent to $x = $x + $y
echo $x; // Outputs: 8
Logical Operators
Used to perform logical operations:
And (&&): True if both operands are true.
$first = true;
$second = false;
var_dump($first && $second); // Outputs: bool(false)
Or (||): True if at least one operand is true.
var_dump($first || $second); // Outputs: bool(true)
Exercise
Now, it’s your turn to experiment:
- Add two numbers and display the result.
- Check if two numbers are equal using the comparison operator.
- Assign a new value to a variable using the add and assign operator.
- Evaluate a logical condition using the “&&” and “||” operators.
Conclusion
Well done! You’ve effectively familiarized yourself with PHP’s crucial operators. With these tools in hand, you’re equipped to perform a variety of operations and manipulate data proficiently.
The journey into PHP’s vast landscape continues—stay eager and explorative!