PHP gettype() Function
Quick summary: The PHP gettype() function returns the type of a variable as a string.
PHP gettype() Syntax
gettype(mixed $value): stringPHP
PHP gettype() Basic examples
var_dump(gettype(123));PHP
Output:
string(7) "integer"Returns the variable type.
var_dump(gettype("abc"));PHP
Output:
string(6) "string"Detects string types.
PHP gettype() Real-world usage
$value = 3.14;
echo gettype($value);PHP
Output:
doubleUsed for debugging or logging.
PHP gettype() Edge cases
var_dump(gettype(null));PHP
Output:
string(4) "NULL"Null values return \"NULL\".
PHP gettype() Common mistakes
Using gettype for type checking
String comparisons are brittle.
Incorrect
gettype($v) === 'integer';Correct
is_int($v);Use is_* functions instead.
PHP gettype() Frequently Asked Questions
What does gettype() do?
Returns the type of a variable as a string.
Return type?
String.
Does it modify variable?
No.
Possible return values?
integer, string, array, object, boolean, NULL.
Use case?
Debugging.
Performance?
Fast.
Difference from is_*?
Returns string instead of boolean.
Handles null?
Yes.
Handles resources?
Yes.
Strict?
Yes.
Alternative?
get_debug_type().
Best practice?
Use is_* for checks.