How PHP 7.1 is Better Than Previous Versions of PHP

After the recent launch of PHP 7.1, PHP has taken a dramatic leap when it comes to addressing features and capabilities. Although, support for PHP 5.5 has recently ended. With the launch of the all new PHP 7.1 release, PHP developers have started rolling down their projects on the new update. It’s because the new PHP 7.1 is much more stable performance wise.

The PHP team takes pride in announcing the launch of the new PHP version which took place on December 1st of 2016.

What is PHP?

Before we move ahead with the in-depth discussion on how PHP 7 is better than it’s previous version, it is important that users learn what PHP means and what is the purpose of this language.

Yes! PHP is basically an open-source general purpose scripting language which specifically works best for web development projects. PHP is the most preferable choice for coders because it can be easily embedded into HTML.

PHP is a recursive acronym for Hypertext Processor. What makes PHP development different than other client-side JavaScript language is that it delivers the embedded HTML file to the client on running the script, but would not provide the underlying code based on PHP. This provides the room and space to coders so they can utilize creative methodologies without letting the user know what’s hidden up there sleeves.

Some of the most renowned CMS such as WordPress and Magento are also based on PHP. In short, PHP is considered the mother of web application development.

How PHP 7.1 is better than PHP 5.6

As this mother of all takes a priority position up in the digital realm of software development, it has relatively transformed the world of CMS dramatically. However, while PHP 5.6 was lacking a few features, the people behind the amazing scripting language jumped ahead a few steps in time and gave rise to the all new PHP 7.1.

Here’s how PHP 7.1 is a way lot different then all its previous versions including PHP 5.6.

The all new PHP 7.1 has introduced a number of new functions and constants for PHP users worldwide. Some of these functions may include:

  • curl_multi_errno()
  • curl_share_errno()
  • curl_share_strerror()
  • session_create_id()
  • session_gc()

While, the respective constants for these functions further include,

  • CURLMOPT_PUSHFUNCTION
  • CURL_PUSH_OK
  • CURL_PUSH_DENY
  • FILTER_FLAG_EMAIL_UNICODE
  • MT_RAND_PHP

Class Constant Visibility

With PHP 7.1, Access modifiers with constant variables within specified classes. They create not just visibility but also allows you to handle each project individually.

Code Snippet: Add with Code Editor

<?php
Class ArturoDemo
{
Const PUBLIC_CONST_A = 1;
public const PUBLIC_CONST_B = 2;
protected const PROTECTED_CONST = 3;
private const PRIVATE_CONST = 4;
}
?

Void Function

PHP 7.1 includes the all new void function in it’s newest version. You can now return all type void functionalities using the following script in code.

Code Snippet: Add with Code Editor

<?php
Function setkey($key):void
{
$this->key = $key; 
}
?>

Iterable Pseudo Type

A similar code type such as the callable functionality in PHP 7.1 is introduced as the new pseudo type. The code snippet offers parameter and return type functionalities by accepting arrays or objects implementing traversable interfaces.

Code Snippet: Add with Code Editor

<?php
function iterator(iterable $iter)
{
foreach ($iter as $val) {
//
}
}
?>

Type Declaration

PHP 7 introduced type declaration module. Previously in PHP development, the language would automatically declare data types for unassigned variables. However, with the launch of the new PHP 7.1, you can now declare data types and get expected results. This makes reading codes a lot more easier for users now.

Support for Negative String Offset

With the all new PHP 7.1, you can now index with square and curly brackets. You can also use simple variable within a specific string syntax.

Code Snippet: Add with Code Editor

<?php
var_dump(“jklmn”[-4]);
$string = ‘bar’;
Echo “The first character of ‘$string’ is ‘$string [-1]’.\n”; 
?>

Scalar Type Hints

More scalar types are introduced within the new PHP 7 such as int, float, string and bool. These scalar type hints were previously well recognized in C language; however, they are now accessible in PHP as well. Giving a more control over the code, it just makes coding a hell lot easier.

Nullable Types

If you want return a null function, it is now possible with PHP 7.1. The all new Nullable type functionality is a feature which not only support PHP but also other languages such as Java and C. Here’s how Nullable types can simply function, the following way:

Code Snippet: Add with Code Editor

<?php
function checkAge($age): ?int
{
if($age > 12){
return $age;
}else{
return null;
}
}
?>

Conversion Between Callable to Closure

The all new PHP 7.1 provides a new static method that enables conversion of callables to Closure object using Closure::fromCallable () function

Code Snippet: Add with Code Editor

<?php
Class Calls
{
Public function showFunction()
{
return Closure::fromCallable([$this, 'privateFunction']);
}
private function callbackFunction($a,$b)
{
echo $a + $b;
}
}
$privFunc = (new Calls)->showFunction();
$privFunc(1,2);
?>

Anonymous Classes

What makes the update PHP version any different compared to previous versions is the feature of Anonymous classes. If a class doesn’t have a name of it’s own, it can automatically be used if the class fails to be documented or is used only once, previously.

The launch of the new PHP 7.1 is going to become a major breakthrough into the world. It is already stands unparalleled in the world of web development and is competing with other languages around the world. In this article, we have covered how PHP 7.1 has acquired some new features and functionalities and what makes this version any different than it’s previous ones.

If you are looking for a mobile application or digital presence to be crafted on PHP, then don’t hold back! Let us know, and we will build just the product you are looking for.

Arturo Digital

Arturo Digital – An American technology firm providing Mobile Application Development, Website Development, Large/Small Ecommerce Stores, Website Portal Development & Digital Marketing Solutions for Entrepreneurs, Business Owners and Future Technologists alike. 

No Comments Yet

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

    GET IN TOUCH WITH US