How Can I Store Arrays as Constants in PHP?

Using Constants to Store Arrays in PHP

Constant values in PHP are typically defined as simple scalar values. However, an attempt to create a constant containing an array may result in failure.

To overcome this limitation, there are several strategies to consider:

PHP 5.6 and Above: Const Keyword

With PHP 5.6 and later versions, constants can be declared as arrays using the const keyword.

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

Alternatively, the short array syntax can also be employed:

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

PHP 7 Only: Define Revisited

PHP 7 introduces a change to the define function, allowing constants to hold arrays. This allows you to create a constant using the original syntax you attempted:

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

Constant Serialization and Deserialization

Another approach involves using PHP's serialize and unserialize functions to convert an array into a string that can be stored as a constant. When needed, you can deserialize it back into an array.

String-Based Separation

As mentioned in your question, you can store an array as a string with elements separated by a delimiter. You would then need to explode the string to extract the individual elements. While this method may seem tedious, it can be an acceptable workaround.

By utilizing the appropriate method based on your PHP version, you can effectively store arrays within constants, offering flexibility and code organization in your PHP applications.

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