1.2.45. Array With String Initialization

It used to be possible to initialize a variable with an string, and use it as an array. It is not the case anymore in PHP 7.1.

<?php

// Initialize arrays with array()
$a = array();
$a[3] = "4";

// Don't start with a string
$a = '';
$a[3] = "4";
print $a;

// Don't start with a string
if (is_numeric($a)) {
    $a[] = $a;
}

?>

See also PHP 7.1 no longer converts string to arrays the first time a value is assigned with square bracket notation.

1.2.45.1. Suggestions

• Always initialize arrays with an empty array(), not a string.

1.2.45.2. Specs

Short name	Arrays/StringInitialization
Rulesets	All, CompatibilityPHP71
Exakat since	1.6.5
PHP Version	All
Severity	Minor
Time To Fix	Quick (30 mins)
Precision	High
Available in	Entreprise Edition, Exakat Cloud