PHP print_r() Function With Example

This PHP tutorial helps you to learn basic print_r statement with examples. The print_r() PHP function is used to return an array in a human readable form.

The print_r() displays information about a variable in a way that’s readable by humans.

pre tag

We’ll use pre tag to display print_r() method returned value. The ‘pre’ tag denotes that the code has been preformatted. The text will be shown in a fixed-width font with this tag. It maintains line breaks and spaces, making it easier to read for humans.

Syntax :
print_r(var_name, return_output)

• var_name : The variable being printed.
• return_output : It helps to capture the output in a variable, the parameter should set TRUE. The default value is FALSE.

Return Value:

If the variable is an integer or a float or a string the function returns the value of the variable.
If the variable is an array the function returns keys and elements, a similar notation is used for the object. Setting TRUE to return_output parameter the function returns a string.

Sample Example PHP print_r()

<?php
$var1 = 'phpflow';
$var2 = 53.55;
$var3 = 53;
$var4 = array('emp_name'=>'Reven','Age'=>34,'Salary'=>23243,'Depts'=>array(5,6,7,8));

print_r($var1);echo"<br/>";
print_r($var2);echo"<br/>";
print_r($var3);echo"<pre>";
print_r($var4);
?>

Output :

phpflow
53.55
53
Array
(
    [emp_name] => Reven
    [Age] => 34
    [Salary] => 23243
    [Depts] => Array
        (
            [0] => IT
            [1] => Admin
        )

)

The print_r(), var_dump() and var_export() will also show protected and private properties of objects. Static class members will not be shown.
The difference of the var_dump() and var_export() is that var_export returns valid PHP code, whereas var_dump does not.