Parameters and arguments in PHP - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a parameter in PHP functions?

A parameter is a variable listed in a function's definition that acts as a placeholder for the value that will be passed to the function when it is called.

beginner

What is an argument in PHP?

An argument is the actual value or expression passed to a function when calling it, which replaces the corresponding parameter inside the function.

beginner

How do parameters and arguments relate in PHP functions?

Parameters define what inputs a function expects, while arguments are the real values given to the function when it runs, filling those parameters.

intermediate

What happens if you call a PHP function without providing all required arguments?

PHP will throw an error because the function expects certain arguments to work properly, and missing them means it cannot perform its task.

intermediate

Can PHP functions have default parameter values? What does that mean?

Yes, PHP functions can have default values for parameters. This means if no argument is passed for that parameter, the function uses the default value automatically.

In PHP, what do you call the variable inside the function definition that receives a value?

A Constant

B Argument

C Parameter

D Return value

The variable inside the function definition is called a parameter.

What is passed to a PHP function when you call it?

A Argument

B Parameter

C Function name

D Variable declaration

The actual value passed to a function when calling it is called an argument.

What happens if you call a PHP function without providing a required argument?

A The function uses a random value

B The function ignores the missing argument

C The function runs twice

D PHP throws an error

PHP throws an error because the required argument is missing.

How can you make a PHP function parameter optional?

A By giving it a default value

B By removing it from the function

C By naming it differently

D By calling the function twice

Giving a parameter a default value makes it optional.

Which of these is a correct way to define a PHP function with parameters?

A function greet(name) { echo 'Hello'; }

B function greet($name) { echo 'Hello ' . $name; }

C function greet[$name] { echo 'Hello'; }

D function greet: $name { echo 'Hello'; }

In PHP, parameters use the $ sign and are inside parentheses.

Explain the difference between parameters and arguments in PHP functions.

Think about the function definition versus the function call.

Describe how default parameter values work in PHP and why they are useful.

Consider what happens if you don't pass a value for a parameter.