PHP Comparison: When to Use `==` vs. `===`?

PHP Equality Comparison Operators: == and ===

In PHP, the equality comparison operators play a crucial role in comparing variables. The equality operator (==) performs a loose comparison, while the identity operator (===) performs a strict comparison.

Loose Comparison (==)

The == operator is a loose comparison operator. It checks if the values of two variables are equivalent, allowing for type coercion. This means that PHP attempts to convert the values to the same type before comparing them.

For example, comparing the integer 1 with the string "1" using == will return true because PHP will convert the string to an integer.

Strict Comparison (===)

The === operator is a strict comparison operator. It checks if the values and types of two variables are identical. It does not perform any type coercion.

For example, comparing the integer 1 with the string "1" using === will return false because the values and types are not identical.

Differences in Examples

• Loose Comparison (==)

  • 1 == "1" // true
  • 0 == false // true

• Strict Comparison (===)

  • 1 === "1" // false
  • 0 === false // false

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