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PHP PhpToken::tokenize() Method: Usage and Examples

PHP PhpToken::tokenize() Method: Usage and Examples: PhpToken::tokenize() splits PHP source into token objects.

1 views Published Oct 17, 2026 Updated Oct 17, 2026 admin

PhpToken represents a token produced while parsing PHP source into lexical units.

What Is PhpToken::tokenize in PHP?


PhpToken::tokenize() splits PHP source into token objects.

PhpToken::tokenize(string $code, int $flags = ...) : array

Parameters:

  • $code — Required. The code argument used to configure this operation; its accepted values follow the declared PHP type.
  • $flags — Optional. A set of documented option bits controlling how the operation behaves.

Return type: array. Token IDs and whitespace tokens are significant when building analyzers or formatters.

Example 1: Understanding the Basic Behavior


<?php

$tokens = PhpToken::tokenize("<?php echo 7;");
foreach ($tokens as $token) { echo $token->getTokenName() . "\n"; }

Output:

T_OPEN_TAG
T_ECHO
T_WHITESPACE
T_LNUMBER
;

Explanation: PhpToken::tokenize() splits PHP source into token objects.

Example 2: Testing Another Case


<?php

$tokens = PhpToken::tokenize("<?php echo 11;");
foreach ($tokens as $token) { echo $token->getTokenName() . "\n"; }

Output:

T_OPEN_TAG
T_ECHO
T_WHITESPACE
T_LNUMBER
;

Explanation: Token IDs and whitespace tokens are significant when building analyzers or formatters.

Practical Example: Applying the Operation


<?php

$tokens = PhpToken::tokenize("<?php echo 42;");
foreach ($tokens as $token) { echo $token->getTokenName() . "\n"; }

Output:

T_OPEN_TAG
T_ECHO
T_WHITESPACE
T_LNUMBER
;

Explanation: Token IDs and token text vary with the supplied source; whitespace tokens can matter.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases


  • Token IDs and whitespace tokens are significant when building analyzers or formatters.
  • Token IDs and token text vary with the supplied source; whitespace tokens can matter.

Comparison With Related Approaches


ApproachWhen to Use It
PhpToken::tokenizePhpToken::tokenize() splits PHP source into token objects.
token_get_all()PhpToken offers objects with methods, while token_get_all() returns traditional arrays.

Common Beginner Mistakes


MistakeCorrect Approach
Misinterpreting the documented behavior of PhpToken::tokenize() for the supplied value.Token IDs and whitespace tokens are significant when building analyzers or formatters.
Choosing token_get_all() without checking whether it provides the same result.PhpToken offers objects with methods, while token_get_all() returns traditional arrays.

Key Takeaways


  • PhpToken::tokenize() splits PHP source into token objects.
  • Token IDs and whitespace tokens are significant when building analyzers or formatters.
  • Token IDs and token text vary with the supplied source; whitespace tokens can matter.

The examples demonstrate where PhpToken::tokenize fits within php token inspection. Verify the relevant preconditions whenever you adapt the code to real data.

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