1.2.299. Could Use Short Assignation

Use short assignment operator, to speed up code, and keep syntax clear.

Some operators, like * or +, have a compact and fast ‘do-and-assign’ version. They looks like a compacted version for = and the operator. This syntax is good for readability, and saves some memory in the process.

Depending on the operator, not all permutations of arguments are possible. For example, $a = $a - 2 can use the -= short operator, but $a = 2 - $a doesn’t.

Addition and short assignation of addition have a different set of features when applied to arrays. Do not exchange one another in that case.

Short operators are faster than the extended version, though it is a micro-optimization.

<?php

$a = 10 + $a;
$a += 10;

$b = $b - 1;
$b -= 1;

$c = $c * 2;
$c *= 2;

$d = $d / 3;
$d /= 3;

$e = $e % 4;
$e %= 4;

$f = $f | 5;
$f |= 5;

$g = $g & 6;
$g &= 6;

$h = $h ^ 7;
$h ^= 7;

$i = $i >> 8;
$i >>= 8;

$j = $j << 9;
$j <<= 9;

// PHP 7.4 and more recent
$l = $l ?? 'value';
$l ??= 'value';

?>

See also Assignation Operators.

1.2.299.1. Connex PHP features

• short-assignation

1.2.299.1.1. Suggestions

• Change the expression to use the short assignation

1.2.299.1.2. Specs

Short name	Structures/CouldUseShortAssignation
Rulesets	All, Analyze, CE, CI-checks, Changed Behavior, Performances, Rector
Exakat since	0.8.4
PHP Version	All
Severity	Minor
Time To Fix	Instant (5 mins)
Precision	Very high
ClearPHP	use-short-assignations
Examples	ChurchCRM, Thelia
Available in	Entreprise Edition, Community Edition, Exakat Cloud