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What is the difference between var_dump() and print_r() in terms of spitting out an array as string?

What is the difference between var_dump() and print_r() in terms of spitting out an array as string?

Solution

  • The var_dump function displays structured information about variables/expressions including its type and value. Arrays are explored recursively with values indented to show structure. It also shows which array values and object properties are references.

    The print_r() displays information about a variable in a way that's readable by humans. array values will be presented in a format that shows keys and elements. Similar notation is used for objects.

    Example:

    $obj = (object) array('qualitypoint', 'technologies', 'India');

    var_dump($obj) will display below output in the screen.

    object(stdClass)#1 (3) {
 [0]=> string(12) "qualitypoint"
 [1]=> string(12) "technologies"
 [2]=> string(5) "India"
}

    And, print_r($obj) will display below output in the screen.

    stdClass Object ( 
 [0] => qualitypoint
 [1] => technologies
 [2] => India
)

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