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PHP PHP Basics (Retired) PHP Datatypes Arrays

Aden Ziguang Wang
Aden Ziguang Wang
1,307 Points
Posted by Aden Ziguang Wang
Aden Ziguang Wang
1,307 Points

What's the difference between {} and [] when accessing the value of a string?

What's the difference between {} and [] when accessing the value of a string?

$eye_colors[1] = 'hazel'; echo $eye_colors[1];

$eye_colors{1} = 'hazel'; echo $eye_colors{1};

since they output the same result.

3 Answers

Randy Fournier
Randy Fournier
Courses Plus Student 483 Points

There actually is a difference, you just don't know it yet.. { } are used for dictionaries or sets, and [ ] are for lists. Again this is a more advanced topic so its irrelevant for you to know this right now, but just keep in mind in the future there is indeed an actual difference.

Source: http://en.lmgtfy.com/?q=php+difference+between+curly+braces+and+brackets+arrays

When googling and looking for info always use documentation links, as they are updated and more accurate than a post you find from some time ago that may be irrelevant now.

It would make sense to click the link that says "PHP: Arrays - Manual" as this was my first instinct, but I actually found the information under "PHP: Strings - Manual" - check out "example #8" you can use ctrl+f and copy and paste the text to find it easier.

In Layman's terms, [] = allows for simple syntax, {} = allows for more complex syntax.

I'm still fairly new to programming so someone correct me if I'm wrong on this.

Sue Dough
Sue Dough
35,800 Points
Sue Dough
Sue Dough
35,800 Points

Nothing. Both are fine. [] is more normal and thats what I would reccomend using for other developers sake.

john larson
john larson
16,594 Points

you have the best icon/avatar i've seen so far there indeed IS something to see here

Romuald Le Bris
Romuald Le Bris
3,975 Points
Romuald Le Bris
Romuald Le Bris
3,975 Points

I agree with Sue. They are both fine but we would rather use square brackets [ ] for a question of standards with other developers.