PHP Match Expressions

match evaluates a subject with strict comparison and returns the chosen arm's expression.

What It Does

match evaluates a subject with strict comparison and returns the chosen arm's expression. The following examples distinguish a normal use case, a boundary case and a practical application.

Requirements and Compatibility

PHP 8.x and a local test environment. Apply input validation, correct error handling and the requirements of any optional libraries.

The code focuses on the core concept. Production implementation may also need routes, validation, persistence, authorization or deployment tooling.

Example 1: Basic Behavior

Start with the smallest meaningful working case.

<?php
$status = 201;
echo match ($status) { 200 => 'OK', 201 => 'Created', 404 => 'Not found', default => 'Other' };

Example 2: Another Case

Examine the edge case and the observable result.

<?php
try { echo match ('paused') { 'new' => 0, 'done' => 1 }; } catch (UnhandledMatchError $e) { echo 'No matching arm'; }

Practical Example: Putting It to Use

Apply the technique to a small practical task.

<?php
$total = 15;
$band = match (true) { $total >= 100 => 'large', $total >= 10 => 'medium', default => 'small' };
echo $band;

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

A missing default and no matching arm raise UnhandledMatchError.

Comparison with Related Functions or Approaches

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• match evaluates a subject with strict comparison and returns the chosen arm's expression.
• A missing default and no matching arm raise UnhandledMatchError.
• switch supports statement blocks and fallthrough but uses different comparison semantics.

Before adapting these examples, verify the return values, test the failure paths and confirm that your application meets its security and environment requirements.