1.2.8. ** For Exponent¶
The operator
**calculates exponents, also known as power.
Use it instead of the slower function pow(). This operator was introduced in PHP 5.6.
Be aware the the ‘-’ operator has lower priority than the ** operator : this leads to the following confusing result.
This is due to the parser that processes separately - and the following number. Since ** has priority, the power operation happens first.
Being an operator, ** is faster than pow(). This is a microoptimisation.
<?php
$cube = pow(2, 3); // 8
$cubeInPHP56 = 2 ** 3; // 8
?>
See also Arithmetic Operators.
1.2.8.1. Suggestions¶
Use the
**operatorFor powers of 2, use the bitshift operators
For literal powers of 2, consider using the
0xFFFFFFFFFsyntax.
1.2.8.2. Specs¶
Short name |
Php/NewExponent |
Rulesets |
|
Exakat since |
0.8.4 |
PHP Version |
With PHP 5.6 and more recent |
Severity |
Minor |
Time To Fix |
Quick (30 mins) |
Precision |
Very high |
Features |
exponential |
Examples |
|
Available in |