Assignment operators

Learn shortcut assignments with =, +=, -=, *= and /=.

Assignment operators

= is the most basic assignment operator: it puts the value on its right into the variable on its left. When you write $score = 10;, the variable $score becomes 10.

For shorter code there are compound assignment operators: +=, -=, *=, /=. $score += 5 actually means $score = $score + 5. It takes the old value, does the operation, and stores the result back in the same variable.

Why use compound assignment?

Compound assignment operators are not just shorter; they express the same meaning more clearly. When you want to add an item to a cart, writing $cart += $itemPrice is more readable than $cart = $cart + $itemPrice; the intent to add to the cart is obvious at once.

Similarly, $total -= $discount shows a discount being subtracted, and $stock *= 2 doubles the stock at a glance. Anyone reading the code understands the operation faster.

Exercise Update the cart total

Add $itemPrice to $cart using +=, then print $cart with echo. You must use the compound assignment operator.

Show example solution

To add to the cart, write $cart += $itemPrice and print it with echo.
Example solution:
<?php
$cart = 200;
$itemPrice = 50;
// Add to the cart
$cart += $itemPrice;
echo $cart;

Test yourself

$score = 10; $score += 5; echo $score; what is the output?
```
$score = 10;
$score += 5;
echo $score;
```
- 5
- 10
- 15
- 50
Show answer

15 — Correct. 10 + 5 = 15.

Write the compound assignment operator

$score = 10;
$score ____ 5;
echo $score;

Show answer

$score = 10;
$score += 5;
echo $score;

$cart = 100; $cart -= 30; echo $cart; what is the output?
```
$cart = 100;
$cart -= 30;
echo $cart;
```
- 70
- 130
- 100
- 30
Show answer

70 — Correct. 100 - 30 = 70.

Next lesson: Comparison operators

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