PHP 101: Understanding Functions

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In order to access the full strength of PHP we need to understand how to create functions. Functions are blocks of code that can be called upon multiple times throughout a project to achieve a specific goal. They can save a lot of time and repetition throughout the course of a project so are a very powerful tool.

Basic Function Syntax

A PHP function is setup as follows:

function my_function_name (input1, input2) { 
      …function body … 
    }

• “function” — This keyword tells the program that a function is being declared
• “my_function_name” — The name you will use when calling your function. The name you choose must start with either a letter (a-z) or an underscore. Be careful to make the name concise yet specific. You shouldn't need to comments to understand what your function is aimed to do.
• (input1, input2) — A set of brackets enclosing all the inputs needed for your function. If no inputs are needed then just enter a pair of empty brackets
• {….} — Finally add a set of the curly brackets and within them write the code you would like your function to execute.

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