PHP variables start with $, followed by a valid name and assigned value. 1. Variable names must begin with $ or \_, not a number. 2. Names can contain letters, numbers, and underscores after the first character. 3. Names are case-sensitive. 4. Declaration uses $name = value syntax without type definition. 5. Common mistakes include using undefined variables, typos, and missing $. PHP handles data types dynamically, supporting strings, integers, booleans, arrays, and more, making variables essential for managing dynamic content.
Variables in PHP are used to store data values. They act as containers for holding information that can be used and manipulated throughout your code. Unlike some other programming languages, PHP doesn't require you to specify the type of data a variable will hold — it automatically determines the type based on the value assigned.
Rules for Naming Variables
Before diving into declaration, it's important to understand how variables should be named:
- Variable names must start with a dollar sign (
$
) - The next character must be a letter or an underscore (
_
), not a number - After the first character, variable names can include letters, numbers, or underscores
- Variable names are case-sensitive (
$name
and$Name
are different)
Examples:
$name = "John"; $_age = 30; $city_name = "New York";
Invalid examples:
1stPlace = "wrong"; // starts with a number myVar = "also wrong"; // missing the $
How to Declare Variables
In PHP, declaring a variable is as simple as starting with $
, followed by the name and a value assignment using =
.
Basic syntax:
$variableName = value;
There’s no need to use keywords like var
or let
like in JavaScript. You just assign a value directly.
Examples:
$message = "Hello, world!"; $count = 25; $is_valid = true; $data = [1, 2, 3];
PHP supports several data types including strings, integers, floats, booleans, arrays, objects, and more. You don’t have to declare the type — PHP handles it dynamically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few common issues when working with PHP variables:
- Using a variable before assigning a value (can cause notices or errors)
- Typos in variable names due to case sensitivity
- Forgetting the
$
at the beginning
For example:
echo $message; // if $message hasn't been set yet, this may throw a notice
Also, keep in mind that variables have scope — if you define one inside a function, it won’t be accessible outside unless declared global or passed properly.
So, variables in PHP are flexible and easy to declare — just start with $
, give them a valid name, assign a value, and go.
They're the foundation for handling dynamic content, so getting comfortable with them early helps a lot.
The above is the detailed content of What are variables in PHP, and how do I declare them?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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