PHP Operators Explained with Real Examples

In the previous tutorial, we learned about PHP variables, constants, and data types. Now let’s explore PHP Operators, which are used to perform operations on variables and values.

Operators are used in almost every PHP application, from simple calculations to complex business logic in WordPress plugins and web applications.

---

What Are Operators in PHP?

Operators are symbols that tell PHP to perform specific actions.

Example:

<?php
echo 5 + 3;
?>

Output:

8

Here, + is an operator that adds two numbers.

---

Types of PHP Operators

PHP provides several types of operators:

1. Arithmetic Operators
2. Assignment Operators
3. Comparison Operators
4. Logical Operators
5. Increment/Decrement Operators
6. Ternary Operator

---

1. Arithmetic Operators

Arithmetic operators are used for mathematical calculations.

Operator	Description
+	Addition
–	Subtraction
*	Multiplication
/	Division
%	Modulus
**	Exponentiation

Example

<?php
$a = 10;
$b = 5;

echo $a + $b;
echo "<br>";

echo $a - $b;
echo "<br>";

echo $a * $b;
echo "<br>";

echo $a / $b;
?>

Output:

15
5
50
2

Modulus Operator (%)

Returns the remainder after division.

<?php
echo 10 % 3;
?>

Output:

1

Exponentiation Operator (**)

<?php
echo 2 ** 3;
?>

Output:

8

---

2. Assignment Operators

Assignment operators assign values to variables.

Basic Assignment

<?php
$name = "Kaif";
?>

Addition Assignment

<?php
$total = 10;
$total += 5;

echo $total;
?>

Output:

15

Subtraction Assignment

<?php
$total = 20;
$total -= 5;

echo $total;
?>

Output:

15

Multiplication Assignment

<?php
$price = 10;
$price *= 3;

echo $price;
?>

Output:

30

---

3. Comparison Operators

Comparison operators compare two values.

Operator	Meaning
==	Equal
===	Identical
!=	Not Equal
>	Greater Than
<	Less Than
>=	Greater Than or Equal
<=	Less Than or Equal

Example

<?php
$a = 10;
$b = 20;

var_dump($a < $b);
?>

Output:

bool(true)

Equal Operator

<?php
echo 10 == 10;
?>

Output:

1

Identical Operator

Checks both value and data type.

<?php
var_dump(10 === "10");
?>

Output:

bool(false)

Because one is an integer and the other is a string.

---

4. Logical Operators

Logical operators combine conditions.

Operator	Meaning
&&	AND
||	OR
!	NOT

AND Operator

<?php
$age = 25;
$has_id = true;

if ($age >= 18 && $has_id) {
    echo "Allowed";
}
?>

Output:

Allowed

Both conditions must be true.

OR Operator

<?php
$is_admin = false;
$is_editor = true;

if ($is_admin || $is_editor) {
    echo "Access Granted";
}
?>

Output:

Access Granted

Only one condition needs to be true.

NOT Operator

<?php
$is_banned = false;

if (!$is_banned) {
    echo "User Active";
}
?>

Output:

User Active

---

5. Increment and Decrement Operators

These operators increase or decrease values.

Increment (++)

<?php
$count = 5;
$count++;

echo $count;
?>

Output:

6

Decrement (–)

<?php
$count = 5;
$count--;

echo $count;
?>

Output:

4

---

6. Ternary Operator

A shorter version of an if-else statement.

Syntax

condition ? value_if_true : value_if_false;

Example

<?php
$age = 20;

$result = ($age >= 18) ? "Adult" : "Minor";

echo $result;
?>

Output:

Adult

---

Real-World Example: WooCommerce Product Discount

<?php
$product_price = 2000;
$discount = 10;

$final_price = $product_price - ($product_price * $discount / 100);

echo "Final Price: ₹" . $final_price;
?>

Output:

Final Price: ₹1800

This type of calculation is commonly used in WooCommerce stores and custom eCommerce applications.

---

Operator Precedence

PHP follows precedence rules.

Example:

<?php
echo 10 + 5 * 2;
?>

Multiplication is performed before addition, so the result is:

20

Using parentheses can make the order explicit:

<?php
echo (10 + 5) * 2;
?>

Output:

30

---

Conclusion

Operators are the foundation of decision-making and calculations in PHP. Whether you’re building a WordPress plugin, a WooCommerce store, or a custom PHP application, you’ll use operators every day.

In the next tutorial, we’ll learn PHP Conditional Statements (if, else, elseif, switch) and build practical examples that control the flow of your applications.