Is there a PHP function for swapping the values of two variables?

user_275899 0
Viewed 76188

Say for instance I have ...

$var1 = "ABC"
$var2 = 123

and under certain conditions I want to swap the two around like so...

$var1 = 123
$var2 = "ABC"

Is there a PHP function for doing this rather than having to create a 3rd variable to hold one of the values then redefining each, like so...

$var3 = $var1
$var1 = $var2
$var2 = $var3

For such a simple task its probably quicker using a 3rd variable anyway and I could always create my own function if I really wanted to. Just wondered if something like that exists?

Update: Using a 3rd variable or wrapping it in a function is the best solution. It's clean and simple. I asked the question more out of curiosity and the answer chosen was kind of 'the next best alternative'. Just use a 3rd variable.

swap function php
20 Answers
user_7064660

I checked all solutions after that i came up with another solution that was not found anywhere. my logic is simple. i used PHP variable ref. pattern. means $$. you can read more about this by this link https://www.php.net/manual/en/language.variables.variable.php

$a =12;$b="ABC";
$$a =$b;
$$b= $$a.$a;
echo " a = $a and b=$b <br>now after reverse.<br>";
echo $$b;

//output : abc12

user_43352100
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