Part 1 - PHP String Functions
Tags: php, programming, beginners, learning
Published: 2023-10-09 00:34:51

Although PHP string functions are somewhat similar to those in other programming languages, PHP is unique and powerful for string manipulations. In this series, let's explore some examples and learn how to use them.

###1. addcslashes(string, character): 
The addcslashes function returns a string with backslashes in front of the specified characters. It's case-sensitive.


![PHP addcslashes](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/1mbet21nq0h430b0e90q.png)

###2. addslashes(string):
Addslashes returns a string with the characters that need to be escaped with backslashes before them. The predefined characters include:
* Double quotes "
* Single quotes '
* Backslash (\)
* NULL

![PHP addslashes](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0zl1bvkjoa27dnskw223.png)

###3. bin2hex(string):
Convert a string of ASCII characters to hexadecimal (Binary to hexadecimal)

![PHP bin2hex](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/e7hk80e49l5nqyon5oym.png)

###4. chop(string, charlist):
The chop function starts from the right end of the string to remove whitespace or predefined characters. It's case-sensitive

![PHP chop](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0qng6tasfzt4qii19yqq.png)

###5. chr():
This function returns a simple byte string from a number. Use 0 for octal values and 0x for hex values. 
N/B: EOL - End Of Line

![PHP chr](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/vfcpt76t1ukxh4kkj2jp.png)

###6. chunk_split(string, length, end):
This function splits a string into smaller parts and determines what it should end each section with.

![PHP chunk_split](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/nkg9jmwygn28nc6tpex2.png)

###7. convert_uuencode(string):
This function encodes a string using the uuencode algorithm.

![PHP uuencode](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/1hho5zi15585hti6e8ul.png)

###8. convert_uudecode():
Convert_uudecode decodes an encoded string.

![PHP uudecode](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0x9056fmk137vu5wjvqw.png)

###9. count_chars(string, mode):
This function returns information about characters used in a string. Certain information can be extracted such as;
**mode 0** - returns an array with the ASCII value as key and number of occurrences as value
**mode 1** - an array with the ASCII value as key and number of occurrences as value, only lists occurrences greater than zero
**mode 2** - an array with the ASCII value as key and number of occurrences as value, only lists occurrences equal to zero are listed
**mode 3** - a string with all the different characters used
**mode 4** - a string with all the unused characters

![PHP count_chars](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/bf1c8q777zlwn5f05izp.png)

###10. explode(separator, string, limit):
The explode function splits a string into different parts forming an array.
- Separator is used to signify where to break the string
- String is the string to break
- limit is an optional parameter. 
  - 0: returns an array with one element
  - negative:  all elements except the last -limit are returned.
  - positive: the returned array will contain a maximum of limit 
  elements with the last element containing the rest of the string

![PHP explode](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/v5z4rainl18kik6jm8qo.png)

In this series, we've delved into a variety of PHP string functions, each with its unique capabilities for string manipulation. From adding slashes to converting between different representations, these functions offer valuable tools for handling strings in PHP.

We've explored functions like `addcslashes`, `addslashes`, `bin2hex`, `chop`, `chr`, `chunk_split`, `convert_uuencode`, `convert_uudecode`, `count_chars`, and `explode`, each serving its purpose in different scenarios. Understanding these functions empowers you to efficiently manipulate and analyze strings in your PHP projects.

So, dive into the world of PHP string functions, explore their capabilities, and leverage them to build robust and efficient web applications. Happy coding!

I am actively working on creating more series focused on special topics in PHP.