PHP 7: Improvements and Essential Elements
One of the most significant revisions to the language was PHP 7, which brought about a number of changes and optimisations. PHP code now runs faster thanks to the Zend Engine update's improved performance. Additionally, it improved code dependability by introducing definitions of scalar and return types.
Readability was improved by new operators such as the spaceship operator (<=>) and null coalescing operator (??). Additionally, PHP 7 introduced group use declarations for clearer code and anonymous classes for flexibility.
Features and synopsis of PHP 7?
A significant update to the well-known programming language PHP, PHP 7 brought a number of enhancements and new capabilities. The following are some of PHP 7's main upgrades and features:
1. Better Performance:
The Zend Engine, the foundation of PHP's execution engine, was updated in PHP 7. PHP code now runs faster thanks to this new version's notable speed improvement.
2. Scalar Type Declarations:
PHP 7 added the ability to describe the type of a function or method parameter through the use of scalar type declarations. This can increase code reliability and assist identify mistakes early in the development process.
3. Declarations of Return Type:
PHP 7 also included support for return type declarations, which enable programmers to define the kind of value that a function or method would return. This can help you write code that is easier to understand and more predictable.
4. Null Coalescing Operator:
PHP 7 included the null coalescing operator (?? ), which returns a default value if no value is found. As a result, code may become clearer and easier to read.
5. Spaceship Operator:
The Spaceship Operator (<=>) was added in PHP 7 and can be used to compare two numbers. Depending on whether the first value is greater than, equal to, or less than the second, it can return -1, 0, or 1. Code may become clearer and easier to read as a result.
6. Anonymous Classes:
Classes defined inline without a name are known as anonymous classes, and PHP 7 provided support for them. Code may become easier to work with and more adaptable as a result.
7. Group Use Declarations:
PHP 7 added the ability to import several namespaces simultaneously via group use declarations. Code may become clearer and easier to read as a result.
PHP 7.0 version released on 3rd December, 2015.
Scalar Type Declarations:
Strict types such as `int`, `float`, `string`, or `bool` can be used for function parameters.
<?php
function addNumbers(int $x, int $y): int {
return $x + $y;
}
echo addNumbers(1, 2); // Output: 3
?>
Return Type Declarations:
You can specify a function's return type.
<?php
function getTotal(int $x, int $y): int {
return $x + $y;
}
echo getTotal(2, 1); // Output: 3
?>
Null Coalescing Operator (`??`):
Simplifies checking if a value is set or not.
<?php
$visitorname = $_GET['visitorname'] ?? 'Guest';
echo $visitorname; // Output: Guest
?>
Spaceship Operator (`<=>`):
Sorting is done using a combined comparison operator.
<?php
echo 2 <=> 1; // Output: 1 (greater than)
echo 1 <=> 1; // Output: 0 (equal)
echo 1 <=> 2; // Output: -1 (less than)
?>
PHP 7.1 version released on 1st December, 2016.
Nullable Types:
Adding `?` before a type declaration makes it nullable.
<?php
function getAddress(?string $address): ?string {
return $address;
}
echo getAddress('Windyhill, Atlanta, GA, USA.');
?>
Void Return Type:
A `void` return type can now be explicitly declared by functions.
<?php
function sayGreetings(): void {
echo "Hello everyone";
}
sayGreetings();
?>
Class Constant Visibility:
The visibility of class constants can now be set to `public`, `protected`, or `private`.
<?php
class TestClass {
private const TEST_CONSTANT = 'value';
}
//echo TestClass::TEST_CONSTANT;
?>
PHP 7.2 version released on 30th November, 2017.
Object Type:
Any object can be passed or returned using the `object` type hint.
<?php
function testObject(object $object): object {
return $object;
}
print_r(testObject((object)('This is a test object.')));
echo '\n';
print_r(testObject((object)(['This is a test object.'])));
?>
Argon2 Password Hashing:
An improved hashing technique for passwords.
<?php
$password = password_hash('password', PASSWORD_ARGON2I);
echo $password;
?>
PHP 7.3 version released on 6th December, 2018.
Trailing Commas in Function Calls:
Function calls can now include a trailing comma.
<?php
trailingFunction('param1', 'param2',);
?>
Flexible Heredoc and Nowdoc Syntax:
Indentation was made possible by the increased flexibility of the Heredoc and Nowdoc languages.
<?php
$str = <<<EOD
This is a simple example of a heredoc.
EOD;
echo $str;
?>
PHP 7.4 version released on 22nd November, 2019.
Typed Properties:
Types can now be assigned to class properties.
<?php
class TestClass {
public string $personname;
}
?>
Arrow Functions:
Shorter anonymous function syntax.
<?php
$numbers = [1, 2, 3];
$s = array_map(fn($n) => $n * $n, $numbers);
print_r($s);
?>
Null Coalescing Assignment Operator (`??=`):
If a variable is null, it is assigned a value.
<?php
$personname ??= 'John Doe';
echo $personname;
?>
With a number of new features and enhancements that can speed up, increase the dependability, and improve development efficiency, PHP 7 was an overall major update to the language.
0 Comments