1.2.573. Indices Are Int Or String

Indices in an array notation such as $array['indice'] may only be integers or string.

Boolean, Null or float will be converted to their integer or string equivalent.

Decimal numbers are rounded to the closest integer; Null is transtyped to ‘’ (empty string); true is 1 and false is 0; Integers in strings are transtyped, while partial numbers or decimals are not analyzed in strings.

As a general rule of thumb, only use integers or strings that don't look like integers.

This analyzer may find constant definitions, when available.

Note also that PHP detects integer inside strings, and silently turn them into integers. Partial and octal numbers are not transformed.

<?php
    $a = [true => 1,
          1.0  => 2,
          1.2  => 3,
          1    => 4,
          '1'  => 5,
          0.8  => 6,
          0x1  => 7,
          01   => 8,

          null  => 1,
          ''    => 2,

          false => 1,
          0     => 2,

          '0.8' => 3,
          '01'  => 4,
          '2a'  => 5
          ];

    print_r($a);

/*
The above displays
Array
(
    [1] => 8
    [0] => 2
    [] => 2
    [0.8] => 3
    [01] => 4
    [2a] => 5
)
*/
?>

See also Arrays syntax.

1.2.573.2. Connex PHP features

1.2.573.2.1. Suggestions

  • Do not use any type but string or integer

  • Force typecast the keys when building an array

1.2.573.2.2. Specs

Short name

Structures/IndicesAreIntOrString

Rulesets

All, Analyze, CE, CI-checks, Changed Behavior

Exakat since

0.8.4

PHP Version

All

Severity

Major

Time To Fix

Quick (30 mins)

Precision

Very high

Examples

Zencart, Mautic

Available in

Entreprise Edition, Community Edition, Exakat Cloud