PHP - print_r() Function
Definition and Usage
The function print_r(), prints information about a variable that is human-readable. This function also shows protected and private properties of objects. Static class members will not be shown.
Syntax
string|bool print_r ( mixed $value , bool $return = false )
Parameters
| Sr.No |
Parameter |
Description |
| 1 |
value
|
Mandatory. The expression to be printed. |
| 2 |
return
|
Optional. When set to true, this function will return the information (not print it). This information can be collected or stored. Default is false |
Return Values
This function returns type depends on the type of value passed:
- If value is a string, int or float, the value itself will be printed
- If value is an array or objects, values will be presented in a format that shows keys and elements
- If the return parameter is true, this function will return a string. Otherwise, the return value is true.
Dependencies
PHP 4 and above
Example
Following example demonstrates print_r() use:
<?php
$a = array ('t' => 'tutorials', 'p' => 'point', 'c' => array ('a', 'b', 'c'));
print_r ($a);
?>
Output
This will produce following result −
Array ( [t] => tutorials [p] => point [c] => Array ( [0] => a [1] => b [2] => c ) )
Example
Following example demonstrates print_r() use with return parameter set to true:
<?php
$b = array('1' => 'Pune', '2' => 'Bengaluru', 'x' => array ('x', 'y', 'z'));
$results = print_r ($b, true);// $results contains output from print_r
var_dump($results);
?>
Output
This will produce following result −
string(148) "Array ( [1] => Pune [2] => Bengaluru [x] => Array ( [0] => x [1] => y [2] => z ) ) "
