PHP - use array as class constant

Question

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Is it possible to declare an array as constant

Is it possible to use an array as a class constant in PHP?

I.e

const MYARRAY = array('123', '234');

If not why?

[please use the search function before asking questions. we expect you to do research.](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/ask-advice) — Gordon, Jun 25 '12 at 07:15
The duplicate discussed constants created using define(). Rules for class constants are not the same. Voting to reopen. — Ja͢ck, Apr 10 '13 at 06:56
You can somewhat convert an array to a string and store it as a constant. When you need it, you just reconvert it. Look into the (un)serialize example: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1290318/php-constants-containing-arrays — Armfoot, Jun 27 '13 at 07:58
@Jack, I agree because I find a way to do what I need (xdazz answer) thanks to this question - we aren't only interested in answer like "No, it isn't posibble", but in that which tells us how to do what we want. — Line, Apr 25 '14 at 12:41

xdazz · Answer 1 · 2017-05-24T07:42:58.250

76

No, you can't.

But you could declare it as a static property.

public static $MYARRAY = array('123', '234');

---------------Update-----------------------------

Array const is available from PHP 5.6.

php.net/manual/en/migration56.new-features.php

edited May 24 '17 at 07:42

answered Jun 25 '12 at 06:40

xdazz

8

This wouldn't be the same as a constant though as the value could be changed – Martin Jun 25 '12 at 06:45
@Martin Yep, that's true, but you can not declare a constant with an array. – xdazz Jun 25 '12 at 06:46
Can a static be declared private at least? – Martin Jun 25 '12 at 06:48
2

@Martin Furthermore, you can declare a public getter if you wanted something like a public constant. – Camilo Martin Dec 19 '13 at 16:25
Then I got this `Strict Standards: Accessing static property ` – Aminah Nuraini May 23 '17 at 20:42

score 68 · Accepted Answer · edited Nov 16 '18 at 17:32

68

UPDATE:

No you can't assign an Array to PHP constant.

Constants may only evaluate to scalar values

This is the reason.

Scalar values for examples are int, float, string

edited Nov 16 '18 at 17:32

Death By Penguin

answered Jun 25 '12 at 06:49

Alvin Wong

Short but clear, and still perfectly explained, thanks! – Tim Visée Jun 05 '14 at 21:51
41

This is now available in PHP 5.6 http://php.net/manual/en/migration56.new-features.php – Michiel Thalen Jan 29 '15 at 04:21

2 Answers2