PHP Constants

PHP Constants

A constant is an identifier (name) for a simple value. The value cannot be changed during the script.

A valid constant name starts with a letter or underscore (no $ sign before the constant name).

Note: Unlike variables, constants are automatically global across the entire script.

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Create a PHP Constant

To create a constant, use the define() function.

Syntax

define(name, value, case-insensitive)

Parameters:

• name: Specifies the name of the constant
• value: Specifies the value of the constant
• case-insensitive: Specifies whether the constant name should be case-insensitive. Default is false

Example

Create a constant with a case-sensitive name:

<?php
define("GREETING", "Welcome to W3Schools.com!");
echo GREETING;
?>

Example

Create a constant with a case-insensitive name:

<?php
define("GREETING", "Welcome to W3Schools.com!", true);
echo greeting;
?>

PHP Constant Arrays

In PHP7, you can create an Array constant using the define() function.

Example

Create an Array constant:

<?php
define("cars", [
    "Alfa Romeo",
    "BMW",
    "Toyota"
]);
echo cars[0];
?>

Constants are Global

Constants are automatically global and can be used across the entire script.

Example

This example uses a constant inside a function, even if it is defined outside the function:

<?php
define("GREETING", "Welcome to W3Schools.com!");

function myTest() {
    echo GREETING;
}
 
myTest();
?>