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PHP PHP Functions Introducing Functions Introducing Functions

Øyvind-Andreas Emanuelsen
Øyvind-Andreas Emanuelsen
2,867 Points
Posted by Øyvind-Andreas Emanuelsen
Øyvind-Andreas Emanuelsen
2,867 Points

When to use a single = and when to use a ==? To me they seem used interchangeably and can't find any explanation online.

I can't find any explanation on when you use the the single =. I understand the purpose and meaning of == and === but the rules for when to use the single = when defining something is unclear.

Ladislav Vysmek
Ladislav Vysmek
1,666 Points
Ladislav Vysmek
Ladislav Vysmek
1,666 Points

Great answer, I had the same. :-)

Mike Beljak
Mike Beljak
555 Points

I wonder if a good way of explaining it might be:

The single equal symbol (=) assigns a value to a variable. In many cases, that assigned value is human-made, or in other words, arbitrarily described. There is a sense of great freedom here.

The double equal symbol (==) questions the equality of two things. Importantly, and inherently, it asks: "Is it TRUE that these two things joined by the symbol (==) are equal?". It might be best described as a "logical operation". It is mathematical. In a sense there is nothing arbitrary about the use of this symbol. In short, it is what it is :-).

Just some thoughts to clear my head in the early stages of learning PHP!

1 Answer

Jeff Lemay
Jeff Lemay
14,268 Points
Jeff Lemay
Jeff Lemay
14,268 Points

A single equal sign is used to set a variable equal to something. A double equal sign is used to determine if something is equal to something. 

<?php
$name = "Jeff";

if ( $name == "Jeff" ) {
    echo "Damn, that guy's cool.";
} elseif ( $name != "Jeff" ) {
    echo "Wait, you're not Jeff!";
} else {
    echo "Who are you?!";
}
?>