PHP 7 introduced new features which marked a significant upgrade in the PHP language . The new features boosted the performance by improving speed, resource efficiency and error handling . PHP 7 enhances languages’s compatibility.With these features new in php and optimizations it is a great choice for website development among developers. In this guide we will explore all the new features of PHP 7 with example code. All the features of PHP 7 has been shared below :
1. Performance Improvement: In Php 7 new Zend Engine 3.0 was introduced.This enables PHP 7 to execute scripts twice as fast compared to PHP 5.6 . PHP 7 Applications consume less memory . This is particularly good for web applications which are resource intensive. So this improves performance of application.
2. Scalar Type declarations : PHP 7 introduced scalar type of declarations .This is the second new feature of PHP 7. In the scalar type declarations developers can define the data type of arguments in a function .With this declaration it made easier for the developers to write more structured and readable code .This brings PHP closer to strongly typed languages.There are basically two types of modes for scalar type declarations-
A. Coercive Mode: This is the default type declaration.In this mode datatype are automatically converted to desired type .In this mode if the datatype which is passed as argument is not the required datatype , then the code do not generate error.The code automatically converts it into desired datatypes and execute the code.
B. Strict Mode: This mode enforces exact data type matching. It ensures more predictable and bug-free code.In this mode if defined data types in function is not passed as arguments then the code donot automatically convert it into desired datatypes instead it will generate TypeError .
Find the example code below :
// Coercive mode
function addNumbersAsInt(int $a, int $b) {
return $a + $b;
}
echo addNumbersAsInt(5, 6); // Outputs 11
echo addNumbersAsInt(5.5, 1.2); // Outputs 6, values are coerced to int
In this example ,in function addNumbersAsInt we have passed two arguments as integer values .Now in next line for simple integer values it return a value after addition.
But now when we call the function and pass the float numbers it handles the argument in a different way.It first convert the float values to integer values and then add both the numbers and return a value.So though we have defined the argument to be integer it takes float values as well and type cast them before proceeding for the manipulation in the function.
3. Return Type Declarations : Another feature of PHP 7 is Return Type Declarations.This allows developers to declare the return type of a function.This feature enhances code readability and ensures that function return values of the expected data type.
Check the below example code:
function getTotalPrice(array $Dataitems): float {
$total_price = 0;
foreach ($Dataitems as $single_item) {
$total_price += $single_item['price'];
}
return $total_price;
}
In return type declarations the return type of a function is specified by adding a colon (:) followed by the data type name inside the function’s definition.In this example above function getTotalPrice() is defined which takes an array of data and return type here is float.The function iterate over all items and return a summation of item price as float.
4. Null Coalescing Operator : The null coalescing operator (??) is a shorthand which checks two things,the first thing it checks that the variable is set or not.The other thing it checks is that the variable is not null.This operator is used in handling optional parameters and when we need to store default values.
Check the example code below:
$username = $_GET['search'] ?? 'Default Value';
In the above code example it is checked that search query parameter is set and is not null then it’s value is returned other wise ‘Default Value’ is returned.
5. Spaceship Operator : The spaceship operator is a new comparison operator in PHP 7 that can be used in three-way.It returns -1 if the left operand is smaller to right operand.It returns 0 if the left and right operand both are equal.It returns 1 if the left operand is greater than right operand.This operator is particularly useful for sorting functions.
Check the example code below:
echo 1 <=> 2; // Outputs -1
echo 2 <=> 2; // Outputs 0
echo 3 <=> 2; // Outputs 1
In the above code we have used spaceship operator to compare values . In first line,the left operand 1 is less than right operand 2 .So it outputs -1.In second line,the left operand 2 is equal to right operand 2 . So it outputs 0.In third line,the left operand 3 is greater than right operand 2 so it outputs 1.
6. Anonymous Classes : Anonymous classes were introduced in PHP 7 . These classes are defined with no name.It provides a way to create a class which are ideal for simple, one-time-use objects.It is especially created when we need to implement interfaces or abstract classes.
Check the code below :
$logger = new class {
public function log($message) {
echo $message;
}
};
$logger->log("This is an anonymous class.");
In this code we have defined a log function inside an anonymous class . This can be used further in any interface as data type hinting . This is used for one time usage in the code.
7. Improved Error Handling : Throwable interfaces were introduced in PHP 7. Previously errors were not handled separately . But with this new feature errors can be handled more efficiently.
8. Group Use Declarations : With Group use declarations feature multiple classes from the same namespace can be imported . By importing multiple classes at a time improves code readability . It also helps developers to write cleaner import statements.
use Some\Namespace\{
ClassA,
ClassB,
ClassC
};
In the above example multiple classes has been imported . Classes has been imported using use keyword in a single line. This makes the code more readable without writing extra line of codes.
So , in this guide we learned how PHP 7 new features can be used efiiciently. How they are used to create more structured ,fast and efficient applications . With the code examples you can learn the basics with ease.
Happy Coding!