PHP typing practicePHP code typinglearn PHP syntax

PHP Typing Tips: Master PHP Syntax for Faster Coding

Name: DevType
Author: DevType

Learn essential tips to type PHP code faster. From variable syntax and arrays to OOP and modern PHP features, improve your PHP typing speed and accuracy.

PHP is a widely-used server-side scripting language that powers millions of websites. From WordPress to Laravel, PHP remains essential for web development. This comprehensive guide will help you type PHP code more efficiently.

Why PHP Typing Skills Matter

PHP's unique syntax with dollar signs for variables and arrow operators requires consistent practice. Modern PHP includes type declarations, attributes, and named arguments. Developers who can type PHP fluently can focus more on application logic and less on syntax.

Essential PHP Symbols to Master

Dollar Sign ($)

Variable prefix, used for all variables.

Arrow (->)

Object property and method access.

Double Arrow (=>)

Array key-value association.

Double Colon (::)

Static method and constant access.

Question Mark (?)

Nullable types and null coalescing.

At Sign (@)

Error suppression and attributes.

PHP Variable and Array Patterns

Variables and arrays are fundamental in PHP:

php

$name = "John";

php

$users = [];

php

$config = [
    'host' => 'localhost',
    'port' => 3306,
];

php

$result = $array['key'] ?? 'default';

php

$nested = $data['users'][0]['name'] ?? null;

php

[...$array1, ...$array2]

PHP Class Patterns

Object-oriented PHP is widely used:

php

class User {
    private string $name;
    public function __construct(string $name) {
        $this->name = $name;
    }
}

php

class UserController extends Controller {
    public function index(): Response
    {
        return $this->render('users.index');
    }
}

php

interface UserRepositoryInterface {
    public function find(int $id): ?User;
}

php

trait Timestampable {
    private DateTime $createdAt;
    private DateTime $updatedAt;
}

php

readonly class UserDTO {
    public function __construct(
        public string $name,
        public string $email,
    ) {}
}

PHP Function Patterns

Modern PHP function syntax:

php

function greet(string $name): string {
    return "Hello, {$name}!";
}

php

$multiply = fn($a, $b) => $a * $b;

php

array_map(fn($x) => $x * 2, $numbers);

php

function process(string $name, ?int $age = null): void {
    // ...
}

php

function createUser(
    string $name,
    string $email,
    bool $active = true,
): User {
    return new User($name, $email, $active);
}

PHP Type Declaration Patterns

Type safety in modern PHP:

php

public function process(array $items): void

php

private ?string $email = null;

php

public function find(int $id): User|null

php

public function handle(Request $request): Response|JsonResponse

php

public function __construct(
    private readonly UserRepository $repository,
) {}

PHP Attribute Patterns

PHP 8 attributes for metadata:

php

#[Route('/api/users')]
class UserController { }

php

#[ORM\Entity]
#[ORM\Table(name: 'users')]
class User { }

php

#[Get('/users/{id}')]
public function show(#[FromRoute] int $id): Response

PHP String Patterns

String manipulation in PHP:

php

$message = "Hello, {$name}!";

php

$query = "SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = {$id}";

php

$html = <<<HTML
    <div class="container">
        <h1>{$title}</h1>
    </div>
HTML;

php

sprintf('User %s has %d orders', $name, $count);

PHP Control Flow Patterns

Control structures in PHP:

php

foreach ($users as $user) {
    echo $user->name;
}

php

foreach ($items as $key => $value) {
    process($key, $value);
}

php

match ($status) {
    'pending' => handlePending(),
    'active' => handleActive(),
    default => handleDefault(),
};

Practice Tips

•

Practice $variable syntax until it's automatic

•

Master array syntax with => operator

•

Learn modern type declarations

•

Practice arrow functions (fn =>)

•

Use constructor property promotion

Put these tips into practice!

Use DevType to type real code and improve your typing skills.

Start Practicing