PHP token_name() Function: Usage and Examples

PHP token_name() returns the name of a token ID emitted by PHP tokenizer. The examples below show how the call behaves, where it is useful, and which limitations matter.

What Is token_name() in PHP?

Returns the name of a token ID emitted by PHP tokenizer.

Its call structure is:

token_name($id)

The arguments identify the values or resources passed to token_name(). 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 token_name with a direct call and a small, readable input.

<?php

echo token_name(T_FUNCTION);

Output:

T_FUNCTION

Returns the name of a token ID emitted by PHP tokenizer. The name identifies a token category, not the exact original source text.

Example 2: Another Behavior or Input

Compare this input with the previous example: changing the data or option can affect how token_name behaves.

<?php

echo token_name(T_VARIABLE);

Output:

T_VARIABLE

The changed input illustrates why output may differ with the chosen values or environment. The name identifies a token category, not the exact original source text.

Practical Example: Using the Feature

The following example incorporates token_name into a workflow. Values such as paths, connection handles and configuration options must come from trusted application settings.

<?php

$tokens = token_get_all("<?php echo 1;"); foreach ($tokens as $token) { if (is_array($token)) { echo token_name($token[0]) . "\n"; } }

Output:

T_OPEN_TAG
T_ECHO
T_WHITESPACE
T_LNUMBER

In a real application, check each operation result, validate values before use and clean up acquired resources. The name identifies a token category, not the exact original source text.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

• Purpose: Returns the name of a token ID emitted by PHP tokenizer.
• Key limitation: The name identifies a token category, not the exact original source text.
• Failure handling: Check return values and handle invalid inputs and unavailable operating-system or extension features where relevant.

Comparison With Related Functions

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Returns the name of a token ID emitted by PHP tokenizer.
• The name identifies a token category, not the exact original source text.
• Use the examples as starting points, and adapt environmental paths, resources and permissions rather than assuming fixed results.

token_name is useful when its specific behavior fits the problem. The safest implementations combine the correct API with input validation, error checking and resource cleanup.