PHP sscanf() parses a string according to a scanf-style format. The examples below show how the call behaves, where it is useful, and which limitations matter.
What Is sscanf() in PHP?
Parses a string according to a scanf-style format.
Its call structure is:
sscanf($string, $format, ...&$vars)The arguments identify the values or resources passed to sscanf(). Read the examples with attention to the type of each supplied argument and to whether the function modifies its input or returns a separate result.
Example 1: Basic Usage
This example introduces sscanf with a direct call and a small, readable input.
<?php
print_r(sscanf("42:active", "%d:%s"));Parses a string according to a scanf-style format. Every input must match the expected pattern; untrusted or malformed input needs validation.
Example 2: Another Behavior or Input
Compare this input with the previous example: changing the data or option can affect how sscanf behaves.
<?php
[$year, $month] = sscanf("2026-10", "%d-%d"); echo "$year/$month";The changed input illustrates why output may differ with the chosen values or environment. Every input must match the expected pattern; untrusted or malformed input needs validation.
Practical Example: Using the Feature
The following example incorporates sscanf into a workflow. Values such as paths, connection handles and configuration options must come from trusted application settings.
<?php
$record = "Product 7: 19.95"; $parsed = sscanf($record, "Product %d: %f"); if ($parsed !== null && count($parsed) === 2) { var_dump($parsed); }In a real application, check each operation result, validate values before use and clean up acquired resources. Every input must match the expected pattern; untrusted or malformed input needs validation.
Important Behavior and Edge Cases
- Purpose: Parses a string according to a scanf-style format.
- Key limitation: Every input must match the expected pattern; untrusted or malformed input needs validation.
- Failure handling: Check return values and handle invalid inputs and unavailable operating-system or extension features where relevant.
Comparison With Related Functions
| Function or Approach | Best Fit |
|---|---|
sscanf() | Parses a string according to a scanf-style format. |
preg_match() | Matches a regular expression and supports richer validation than scanf-style fixed-field parsing. |
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Correct Approach |
|---|---|
| Every input must match the expected pattern; untrusted or malformed input needs validation. | The correct approach depends on this behavior: Every input must match the expected pattern; untrusted or malformed input needs validation. |
| Ignoring errors or cleanup after the operation. | Validate inputs and check each result; close files, restore settings or release resources when the operation requires it. |
Key Takeaways
- Parses a string according to a scanf-style format.
- Every input must match the expected pattern; untrusted or malformed input needs validation.
- Use the examples as starting points, and adapt environmental paths, resources and permissions rather than assuming fixed results.
sscanf is useful when its specific behavior fits the problem. The safest implementations combine the correct API with input validation, error checking and resource cleanup.