Type checking with gettype()

Learn to find a variable's type with the gettype() function.

The gettype() function

gettype() returns a variable's type as a string. Example: echo gettype(42); prints integer.

Common return values: string, integer, double (for float), boolean and NULL.

Note: PHP returns double for the float type for historical reasons. So gettype(3.14) prints double.

This function is useful for finding type-related bugs while debugging.

Type strings and what to watch for

The strings returned by gettype() are fixed:

"string" — the text type.
"integer" — whole numbers.
"double" — fractional numbers (float).
"boolean" — true or false.
"NULL" — no value (uppercase).

These strings are case-sensitive. When comparing, you must match them exactly.

Later you will meet is_string(), is_int() and other handy helpers.

Exercise Print the type of three variables

Assign "Book" to $name, 12 to $count, and 49.99 to $price. Print the gettype() output for each variable on its own line.

Show example solution

On each line write echo gettype(...) . "\n";.
Example solution:
<?php
$name = "Book";
$count = 12;
$price = 49.99;
echo gettype($name) . "\n";
echo gettype($count) . "\n";
echo gettype($price) . "\n";

Test yourself

What does gettype(42) return?
```
echo gettype(42);
```
- "int"
- "integer"
- "number"
- "42"
Show answer

"integer" — Correct! PHP returns "integer" for whole numbers.
Print the type of $score
```
echo ____($score);
```
Show answer
```
echo gettype($score);
```
Match each value to its gettype output

42

integer
3.14

double
"book"

string
null

NULL

Next lesson: Detailed output with var_dump()

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