PHP Shorthand Syntax

Explaining shorthand such as null coalescing ??, short array syntax [], Elvis operator ?:, spaceship <=>, short echo <?= , arrow functions fn(), and assignment shorthands like +=)

• PHP Compact Operators & Shorthands
• PHP Idiomatic Shorthands
• PHP One-Liners & Shorthands

PHP shorthand syntax

• Ternary Operator (? :): Shorthand for if-else statements.
• Null Coalescing Operator (??): Returns the first non-null value from a chain.
• Elvis Operator (?:): Shorthand for value ?: default (if value is truthy).
• Spaceship Operator (<=>): Compares two values, returning -1, 0, or 1.
• Short Array Syntax ([]): Alternative to array() for defining arrays.
• Short Echo Tag (<?=): Concise way to output expressions in templates.
• Arrow Functions (fn()): Compact anonymous functions for simple closures.
• Increment/Decrement (++, --): Pre/post shorthand for adding/subtracting 1.
• Assignment Shorthands (+=, -=, etc.): Combined assignment and operation.
• Shortened Boolean Conversion (!!): Explicitly converts to boolean true/false.

the ternary operator (? :)

shorthand that has an if-else into one line, instead of explicit keywords like if, then, and else.

example:

echo $today_day === $tenant['rent_due_day'] ? 'DUE TODAY' : 'DELINQUENT';

is the same as:

if ($today_day === $tenant['rent_due_day']) {
    echo 'DUE TODAY';
} else {
    echo 'DELINQUENT';
}

Explicit words: if and else spell out the decision-making flow, like "If this is true, do X; otherwise, do Y." The ternary's ? (for "then") and : (for "else") are handy shortcuts, but they can blend into the condition.