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PHP decoct() Function: Usage and Examples

Learn how PHP decoct works with practical examples, important behavior, relevant alternatives and common mistakes.

2 views Published Oct 16, 2026 Updated Oct 16, 2026

Converts an integer into an octal string.

What Is decoct() in PHP?

Converts an integer into an octal string.

Its syntax is:

decoct(int $num): string

Parameters:

  • $num — Accepted as int; required argument.

Return type: string. Octal output is a string; filesystem permission literals use a leading zero in PHP source.

Availability: Core PHP.

Example 1: Basic Usage

<?php

echo decoct(8);

Output:

10

Octal output is a string; filesystem permission literals use a leading zero in PHP source.

Example 2: A Different Input

<?php

echo decoct(64);

Output:

100

Octal output is a string; filesystem permission literals use a leading zero in PHP source.

Practical Example: Applying It in a Program

<?php

$permissions = [420, 493]; foreach ($permissions as $permission) { echo decoct($permission) . PHP_EOL; }

Output:

644
755

Octal output is a string; filesystem permission literals use a leading zero in PHP source.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

  • Key behavior: Octal output is a string; filesystem permission literals use a leading zero in PHP source.
  • Environment: Core PHP.

Comparison With Related Functions

FunctionPurpose
decoct()Converts an integer into an octal string.
octdec()octdec() parses octal text as a number; decoct() formats an integer as octal text.

Common Beginner Mistakes

MistakeCorrect Approach
Ignoring this behavior: Octal output is a string; filesystem permission literals use a leading zero in PHP sourceOctal output is a string; filesystem permission literals use a leading zero in PHP source.

Key Takeaways

  • Converts an integer into an octal string.
  • Octal output is a string; filesystem permission literals use a leading zero in PHP source.
  • Core PHP.

Summary: Octal output is a string; filesystem permission literals use a leading zero in PHP source.

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