How Can I Define Constant Arrays in PHP?

Constant Arrays in PHP

In PHP, defining a constant array using the define() function was once not possible. However, significant changes were introduced in later versions that allow for the declaration of constant arrays.

Prior to PHP 5.6, an attempt to define an array constant like define('DEFAULT_ROLES', array('guy', 'development team')); would fail. To work around this limitation, developers resorted to converting arrays into strings, such as define('DEFAULT_ROLES', 'guy|development team'), and then parsing them back into arrays later.

With the introduction of PHP 5.6, a dedicated constant declaration syntax using the const keyword was added. This allows for the assignment of an array value directly to a constant, eliminating the need for parsing:

const DEFAULT_ROLES = ['guy', 'development team'];

The short syntax introduced in PHP 5.3 also works for defining constant arrays:

const DEFAULT_ROLES = array('guy', 'development team');

In PHP 7, the define() function also gained the ability to define constant arrays, allowing you to revert to the initial syntax you attempted:

define('DEFAULT_ROLES', array('guy', 'development team'));

By utilizing the appropriate syntax for your PHP version, you can conveniently define constant arrays without resorting to unnecessary conversions and parsing.

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