PHP Unit 6 Notes – Variables, Arrays, Loops and Operators Explained.

Unit 6

PHP

Very Short Answer

1. What is variable?

A variable in PHP is a container used to 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 exits a loop immediately, while continue skips

current loop iteration and moves to the next. 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 named keys instead of numeric

indexes. 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 evaluates a variable and executes

matching case block. 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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