PHP Data Types

Strings, integers, floats, booleans, arrays, objects and null.

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PHP supports these data types:

string, int, float, bool
array, object
null and resource

var_dump() shows a value's type and contents; gettype() returns the type name. Cast with (int), (string), (float), (bool).

Key Takeaways: PHP Data Types

Mastering PHP Data Types helps you write clean and reliable PHP code. Follow standard conventions, test edge cases, and keep logic simple. Try running the code example below and complete the exercises to build confidence.

PHP Data Types Code Example

PHP

<?php
var_dump("Hello");
var_dump(42);
var_dump(3.14);
var_dump(true);
var_dump([1, 2]);
var_dump(null);
echo gettype((int) "15 apples");

Output

string(5) "Hello"
int(42)
float(3.14)
bool(true)
array(2) { [0]=> int(1) [1]=> int(2) }
NULL
integer

Run this example on your own computer. The "Get Started" lesson shows how to set it up.

PHP Data Types Practice Exercises

Check what you learned in “PHP Data Types”.

/ 2 solved

Fill in the blank

Show the type and value of a variable.

($price);

✓ Correct! Not quite. Try again.

Multiple choice

What is the type of 3.14 in PHP?

float int decimal double-string

✓ Correct! Not quite. Try again.

to save your exercise progress.

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PHP Data Types

💡 Key Takeaways: PHP Data Types

PHP Data Types Code Example

PHP Data Types Practice Exercises

Key Takeaways: PHP Data Types