PHP define() Function

Definition and Usage

The define() function defines a constant.

Constants are similar to variables, the difference is:

  • After setting, the value of the constant cannot be changed
  • Constant names do not need to start with a dollar sign ($)
  • Scope does not affect access to constants
  • The constant value can only be a string or a number

Syntax

define(name,value,case_insensitive)
Parameters Description
name Required. Specifies the name of the constant.
value Required. Specifies the value of the constant.
case_insensitive

Optional. Specifies whether the name of the constant is case-sensitive.

If set to true, it is case-insensitive. The default is false (case-sensitive).

Instance

Example 1

Define a case-sensitive constant:

<?php
define("GREETING","Hello world!");
echo constant("GREETING");
?>

Output:

Hello world!

Example 2

Define a case-insensitive constant:

<?php
define("GREETING","Hello world!",TRUE);
echo constant("greeting");
?>

Output:

Hello world!