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Deciphering Strict Types in PHP
PHP 7 introduces strict types, enabling enhanced type checking and code documentation. By declaring scalar types (int, float, string, and bool), developers gain control and readability over their applications.
What Impact Do Strict Types Have?
By default, PHP attempts to convert values to their expected types. However, with strict types enabled, variables must adhere strictly to their declared types. Failing to do so results in TypeErrors being thrown.
How to Enable Strict Types
Strict mode can be enabled per file using the "declare" statement:
<code class="php">declare(strict_types=1);</code>
Benefits of Strict Types
Example Code Usage
With strict types disabled (Non-strict mode):
<code class="php">function AddIntAndFloat(int $a, float $b) : int { return $a + $b; // Non-strict conversion } echo AddIntAndFloat(1.4, '2'); // Returns 3 (float converted to int)</code>
With strict types enabled (Strict mode):
<code class="php">function AddIntAndFloat(int $a, float $b): int { return $a + $b; // TypeError } echo AddIntAndFloat(1.4,'2'); // TypeError: Argument type mismatch echo AddIntAndFloat(1,'2'); // TypeError: Argument type mismatch // However, integers can still be passed as floats. echo AddIntAndFloat(1,1); // Returns 2.0</code>
Additional Use Cases
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