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

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 ) ) "