PHP Basics Explained: Variables, Arrays, Loops, Operators, and More



 

Very Short Answer 

1. What is variable?

Variable is a container for store data. It starts with a dollar sign $ and can store strings, numbers, or arrays.

2.   Define constants in PHP?

Constants are like variables, but once defined, their value cannot change. In PHP, they are defined using define() function and do not begin with a $.

3.   Discuss unary and binary operators?

Unary operators act on a single operand (e.g., ++$x), while binary operators require two operands (e.g., $a + $b). They are used in arithmetic and logic.

4.   Discuss break and continue statements?

break immediately terminates the loop, while continue skips the current iteration and proceeds with the next one.. Both are used for flow control in loops.

5.   What is an array?

An array is a data structure that stores multiple values in one variable. It can be indexed, associative, or multidimensional in PHP.

 

Short Answer 

1.   Explain scope of variables?

Scope defines where a variable is accessible in PHP. There are three types: global (used outside functions), local (inside functions), and static (retains value after function ends). Scope affects variable behavior and visibility.

2.   Explain conditional assignment operators? Conditional assignment operators assign values based on a condition. The ternary operator ? : is commonly used, like $x = ($a > $b) ? $a : $b;. It’s a compact if-else form.

3.   What is difference between while and do while loop?

In while, the condition is checked first; loop may not run if false. In do-while, the loop runs at least once since condition is checked after execution.

4.   Explain foreach loop? foreach loop is used to iterate over arrays. It automatically assigns each array value to a variable. Syntax: foreach($array as $value) { //code }. It simplifies array handling.

5.   What is an index array?

Indexed arrays store elements with numeric indexes starting from 0. Example: $arr = array("apple", "banana");. Elements are accessed using their numeric positions in the array.

6.   What is associative array?

Associative arrays use names (keys) instead of numbers to identify elements.Example: $arr = array("name" => "John", "age" => 25);. Keys act as identifiers for values.

 

Long Answer  

1.            Explain different data types in PHP? PHP supports several data types:

1.  Integer – Whole numbers like 1, -100.

2.  Float (Double) – Decimal numbers like 3.14. 3. String – Sequence of characters like "Hello".

4.  Boolean – True or False values.

5.  Array – A collection of values.

6.  Object – Instances of classes.

7.  NULL – Represents a variable with no value.

8.  Resource – Special variables referencing external resources (e.g., file handles, database connections).

Each data type helps PHP handle various operations efficiently. Strings can be manipulated using functions, integers and floats are used in arithmetic, and arrays can store multiple related values. Type juggling in PHP allows automatic type conversion when needed, making it flexible but requiring careful handling in complex logic.

2.            Describe various types of operators in PHP? Operators in PHP include:

1.  Arithmetic Operators – +, -, *, /, % for math.

2.  Assignment Operators – =, +=, -=, etc.

3.  Comparison Operators – ==, ===, !=, <, >.

4.  Logical Operators – &&, ||, ! for logical conditions.

5.  Increment/Decrement Operators – ++, --.

6.  String Operators – . for concatenation.

7.  Array Operators – +, ==, === for array comparison.

8.  Conditional (Ternary) Operator – ?: for shorthand if-else.

Operators make coding and logic processing easier.

3.            Explain switch statement with an example?

 A switch statement checks a variable's value and runs the code block that matches a corresponding case.. It prevents long if-else chains.

Example:

$day = "Monday"; switch ($day) {   case "Monday":

    echo "Start of the week.";     break;   case "Friday":

    echo "Weekend is near.";     break;   default:

    echo "Midweek day.";

}

The break stops execution after a match. If no case matches, default runs.

4.            Explain different types of loop in PHP? PHP has four types of loops:

1.  while loop – Executes while a condition is true.

2.  do-while loop – Executes at least once, then checks condition.

3.  for loop – Best for loops with counters.

4.  foreach loop – Ideal for iterating arrays.

Each loop helps reduce code repetition and simplifies automation. Choosing the right loop depends on the problem, like foreach for arrays and for for numeric iterations.

5.            Discuss various array functions in detail? PHP provides many built-in array functions:

        array_push() – Adds elements to the end.

        array_pop() – Removes the last element.

        array_merge() – Merges two arrays.

        array_keys() – Returns all keys.

        array_values() – Returns all values.

        in_array() – Checks if a value exists.

        count() – Counts array elements.

        sort() – Sorts in ascending order.

        rsort() – Sorts in descending order.

        array_slice() – Extracts a portion.

These functions simplify array manipulation, searching, and sorting. They are essential for data handling and display in dynamic web applications.

 

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