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PHP Constants


Constants are like variables except that once they are defined they cannot be changed or undefined.


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.


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;
?>
Try it Yourself »

Example

Create a constant with a case-insensitive name:

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