In PHP, operators are symbols or keywords used to perform specific operations on variables or values. They are essential building blocks in programming, allowing you to manipulate data, make comparisons, and execute logical conditions within your code.
Types of PHP Operators
PHP offers a wide range of operators, categorized based on their functionality. Here’s an overview of the main types:
1. Arithmetic Operators
Arithmetic operators are used to perform basic mathematical operations.
| Operator | Description | Example | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
+ |
Addition | 5 + 3 |
8 |
- |
Subtraction | 5 - 3 |
2 |
* |
Multiplication | 5 * 3 |
15 |
/ |
Division | 6 / 3 |
2 |
% |
Modulus (remainder) | 5 % 2 |
1 |
2. Assignment Operators
Assignment operators are used to assign values to variables.
| Operator | Description | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
= |
Assign | $x = 10 |
Assigns 10 to $x |
+= |
Add and Assign | $x += 5 |
$x = $x + 5 |
-= |
Subtract and Assign | $x -= 5 |
$x = $x - 5 |
*= |
Multiply and Assign | $x *= 5 |
$x = $x * 5 |
/= |
Divide and Assign | $x /= 5 |
$x = $x / 5 |
3. Comparison Operators
Comparison operators are used to compare values, often in conditional statements.
| Operator | Description | Example | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
== |
Equal to | 5 == 5 |
true |
!= |
Not equal to | 5 != 3 |
true |
> |
Greater than | 5 > 3 |
true |
< |
Less than | 3 < 5 |
true |
>= |
Greater than or equal to | 5 >= 5 |
true |
<= |
Less than or equal to | 3 <= 5 |
true |
4. Logical Operators
Logical operators are used to combine multiple conditions or statements.
| Operator | Description | Example | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
&& |
AND | true && false |
false |
| ` | ` | OR | |
! |
NOT | !true |
false |
5. Increment/Decrement Operators
These operators are used to increase or decrease a variable’s value by 1.
| Operator | Description | Example | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
++$x |
Pre-increment | $x = 5; ++$x; |
6 |
$x++ |
Post-increment | $x = 5; $x++; |
5 |
--$x |
Pre-decrement | $x = 5; --$x; |
4 |
$x-- |
Post-decrement | $x = 5; $x--; |
5 |
6. String Operators
String operators are used to manipulate text.
| Operator | Description | Example | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
. |
Concatenation | "Hello " . "World" |
Hello World |
.= |
Concatenation and Assign | $x = "Hello"; $x .= " World"; |
Hello World |
7. Bitwise Operators
Bitwise operators perform operations on binary numbers.
| Operator | Description | Example | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
& |
AND | 5 & 3 |
1 |
| ` | ` | OR | `5 |
^ |
XOR | 5 ^ 3 |
6 |
~ |
NOT | ~5 |
-6 |
8. Ternary Operator
The ternary operator is a shorthand for if-else statements.
Syntax:
condition ? value_if_true : value_if_false;
Example:
$result = (5 > 3) ? "True" : "False";
// Output: "True"
9. Null Coalescing Operator
Introduced in PHP 7, this operator is used to return the first non-null value.
Syntax:
$x = $var1 ?? $var2;
Example:
$name = $userName ?? "Guest";
// If $userName is null, $name will be "Guest".
Why Are PHP Operators Important?
PHP operators allow developers to write efficient, clean, and logical code. From performing calculations to making decisions and building complex expressions, operators are a fundamental part of any PHP program.