PHP Variables

As with algebra, PHP variables are used to hold values or expressions.

A variable can have a short name, like x, or a more descriptive name, like carName.

Rules for PHP variable names:

• Variables in PHP starts with a $ sign, followed by the name of the variable
• The variable name must begin with a letter or the underscore character
• A variable name can only contain alpha-numeric characters and underscores (A-z, 0-9, and _ )
• A variable name should not contain spaces
• Variable names are case sensitive (y and Y are two different variables)

Creating (Declaring) PHP Variables

PHP has no command for declaring a variable.

A variable is created the moment you first assign a value to it:

$myCar="Volvo";

After the execution of the statement above, the variable myCar will hold the value Volvo.

Tip: If you want to create a variable without assigning it a value, then you assign it the value of null.