Elvis Operator in PHP

What Is the Elvis Operator?

The Elvis operator is a shorthand for a simple if-else expression. PHP does not have a native Elvis operator, but you can simulate it using the ternary operator without the middle part.

$username = $input['name'] ?: 'Guest';

This checks if $input['name'] is truthy. If yes, it assigns it to $username. If not, it sets 'Guest' as default.

Syntax and Behavior

You can write ternary syntax like this:

$result = $condition ? $trueValue : $falseValue;

Elvis-style syntax removes the middle part:

$result = $value ?: $default;

• It checks if $value is truthy
• If true, it returns $value
• If false, it returns $default

When to Use It

Use the Elvis-style operator when:

• You need to provide a default value
• You want to simplify a long if block
• You handle user input or optional data

Example:

$email = $_POST['email'] ?: '[e-mail]';

If the user gives an email, it uses it. If not, it falls back to '[e-mail]'.

Important Notes

PHP treats these as falsy values:

• false
• null
• 0
• '' (empty string)
• '0'

Example:

$number = 0;
$result = $number ?: 100; // Returns 100, not 0

This can cause bugs if 0 is valid. To avoid this, use isset() or the null coalescing operator.

Comparison with Null Coalescing

Use the null coalescing operator (??) when you want to check only null.

$name = $input['name'] ?? 'Unknown';

• ?? checks for null only
• ?: checks for all falsy values

Choose based on what counts as "missing" in your logic.

Summary

• PHP simulates the Elvis operator using ?:
• It helps assign fallback values quickly
• Be careful with values like 0 or empty strings
• Use ?? if you only want to check for null

The Elvis pattern saves time and makes code shorter—but it needs thoughtful use.

Source: flatcoding.com

Comments

[david duymelinck]

PHP does not have a native Elvis operator, but you can simulate it using the ternary operator without the middle part.

What do you think a native Elvis operator is?
The Elvis operator is nothing more than a shorthand ternary operator.

I never used it in codebases because the behaviour can cause errors. The same reason I avoid empty.

[Francesco Larossa]

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