When must you use array() to define an array?

Question

In PHP I have seen the following types of coding:

my_array[] = "fish";
my_array[] = "book";
my_array[] = "chair";

Other times I have seen this done:

my_array = array();
my_array[] = "fish";
my_array[] = "book";
my_array[] = "chair";

What would be the purpose of "defining" an array in PHP with array() like above? Is it a good practice, if so why?

my_array is an array (PHP is intelligent to detect its type), You are pushing elements to that array. — Red
– Red, Commented Jul 6, 2013 at 4:56
@Musa Yes, typo. It's been corrected. Thanks for pointing it out! — Edward
– Edward, Commented Jul 6, 2013 at 5:04
look into weak vs strong typing. Haters hate the php for this kind of behavior. — Rooster
– Rooster, Commented Jul 6, 2013 at 5:24

John Conde · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-06 04:55:51Z

3

It is good practice to make sure your variable is defined before you use it.

answered Jul 6, 2013 at 4:55

John Conde

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Yotam Omer · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-06 04:56:11Z

0

You don't have to declare variables in PHP. this is just a better practice that improves readability and can prevent some errors on array using function you might use later on..

answered Jul 6, 2013 at 4:56

Yotam Omer

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