PHP8 function: get_debug_type() to create efficient development and debugging

PHP8 is the latest version of the PHP language. Compared with previous versions, PHP8 provides many exciting new features and functions. One of the most popular features is the get_debug_type() function, which helps developers debug faster and more accurately.

In this article, we will delve into the get_debug_type() function and introduce how to apply it for efficient development and debugging.

1. Introduction to get_debug_type() function

The get_debug_type() function is a new function introduced in PHP8. Its main function is to return the type name of a given variable, including standard types (such as "int", "string") and custom types (such as "class Foo").

Compared with some other common debugging functions (such as var_dump() and print_r()), the get_debug_type() function provides more informative results, helping developers diagnose problems more accurately. In addition, the get_debug_type() function also provides better security because it only returns the type name and not the actual variable value, thus protecting your code.

2. How to use the get_debug_type() function

The syntax of the get_debug_type() function is very simple. You only need to pass in a variable, and it will return the type name corresponding to the variable.

For example:

<?php
class Foo {}
$a = 42;
$b = 'bar';
$c = new Foo();
var_dump(get_debug_type($a)); // int
var_dump(get_debug_type($b)); // string
var_dump(get_debug_type($c)); // object(Foo)
?>

The above code will return the type of $a as "int", the type of $b as "string", and the type of $c as "object(Foo)" .

In addition, if the value passed in is null, the get_debug_type() function will return "null".

For example:

<?php
$foo = null;
var_dump(get_debug_type($foo)); // null
?>

Sometimes a variable may be one of multiple types. In this case, the get_debug_type() function will return the most common type name, that is, if a variable is both an array and an object, the get_debug_type() function will return "array".

For example:

<?php
$a = [];
var_dump(get_debug_type($a)); // array
$b = new stdClass();
var_dump(get_debug_type($b)); // object
?>

3. Application scenarios of get_debug_type() function

Now that we have understood the basic knowledge of get_debug_type() function, let’s look at some practical applications Application scenarios, and how to debug using the get_debug_type() function.

1. Checking the return type of a function or method

The get_debug_type() function is great for checking the return type of a function or method, especially when you are writing an interface or Library time. For example, if you want to ensure that a method returns a specific type, you can use the get_debug_type() function to check its return value and handle it as needed.

For example:

<?php
class Calculator {
    public function add(int $a, int $b): int {
        return $a + $b;
    }
}
$calc = new Calculator();
$result = $calc->add(2, 3);
if (get_debug_type($result) !== 'int') {
    throw new RuntimeException('Invalid result type');
}
?>

In the above example, the get_debug_type() function is used to check whether the add() method returns an integer type, and if not, an exception is thrown.

2. Eliminate type errors

Type errors are common in PHP, especially if the application is complex. These type errors cause problems in your code, but they are often difficult to debug. Using the get_debug_type() function, it is easier to identify type errors and fix them promptly.

For example:

<?php
function divide(int $a, int $b): float {
    return $a / $b;
}
$result = divide(5, 0);
if (get_debug_type($result) !== 'float') {
    throw new RuntimeException('Invalid result type');
}
?>

In the above code, the get_debug_type() function helps us identify the error type returned due to a division-by-zero error. If the type is not the "float" we expect, an exception is thrown.

3. Simplify inheritance structure

Using inheritance allows you to create complex PHP applications. However, inheritance structures can sometimes become convoluted, leaving developers wondering what to do with their structures. When using the get_debug_type() function, you can understand the inheritance structure more simply and manage your code better.

For example, in the following code, we use the get_debug_type() function to check the return type of each method in the inheritance structure, helping us better manage the code.

<?php
class ParentClass {
    public function count(): int {
        return 0;
    }
}
class ChildClass extends ParentClass {
    public function count(): int {
        return 1;
    }
}
class GrandchildClass extends ChildClass {
    public function count(): int {
        return 2;
    }
}
$grandchild = new GrandchildClass();
var_dump(get_debug_type($grandchild->count())); // int
var_dump(get_debug_type($grandchild::count())); // int
var_dump(get_debug_type($grandchild)); // object(GrandchildClass)
?>

In the above code, we iterate through the structure of the $grandchild object and use the get_debug_type() function to check each return type of the count() method, as well as the type of the object itself.

4. Conclusion

get_debug_type() function is one of the most useful new features of PHP8. It can help developers debug more quickly and accurately, making development work more efficient. It is suggested that you add the get_debug_type() function to your toolbox and use it to help you develop more reliable and efficient PHP applications.

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