PHP String

A PHP string is a sequence of characters i.e. used to store and manipulate text. There are 4 ways to specify string in PHP.

• single quoted
• double quoted
• heredoc syntax
• newdoc syntax (since PHP 5.3)

Single Quoted PHP String

We can create a string in PHP by enclosing text in a single quote. It is the easiest way to specify string in PHP.

Output:

We can store multiple line text, special characters and escape sequences in a single quoted PHP string.

Output:

Hello text multiple line text within single quoted string 
Using double "quote" directly inside single quoted string 
Using escape sequences \n in single quoted string

Note: In single quoted PHP strings, most escape sequences and variables will not be interpreted. But, we can use single quote through \' and backslash through \\ inside single quoted PHP strings.

Output:

trying variable $num1 
trying backslash n and backslash t inside single quoted string \n \t 
Using single quote 'my quote' and \backslash

Double Quoted PHP String

In PHP, we can specify string through enclosing text within double quote also. But escape sequences and variables will be interpreted using double quote PHP strings.

Output:

Hello text within double quote

Now, you can't use double quote directly inside double quoted string.

Output:

Parse error: syntax error, unexpected 'quote' (T_STRING) in C:\wamp\www\string1.php on line 2

We can store multiple line text, special characters and escape sequences in a double quoted PHP string.

Output:

Hello text multiple line text within double quoted string 
Using double "quote" with backslash inside double quoted string 
Using escape sequences in double quoted string

In double quoted strings, variable will be interpreted.

Output:

Number is: 10