Return values in PHP - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does a return value do in a PHP function?

A return value sends data back from a function to the place where the function was called. It lets the function give back a result.

beginner

How do you return a value from a PHP function?

Use the return keyword followed by the value you want to send back. For example: return 5;

beginner

What happens if a PHP function has no return statement?

The function returns NULL by default, meaning it does not send any specific value back.

intermediate

Can a PHP function return different types of values?

Yes, a PHP function can return any type of value like numbers, strings, arrays, or even objects.

intermediate

What is the effect of a return statement inside a PHP function?

It immediately stops the function and sends the specified value back to the caller.

What keyword is used to send a value back from a PHP function?

A echo

B return

C output

D send

The return keyword is used to send a value back from a function.

What does a PHP function return if it has no return statement?

A NULL

B 0

C false

D empty string

If no return statement is present, PHP functions return NULL by default.

Which of these can a PHP function return?

A Only numbers

B Only strings

C Any data type like numbers, strings, arrays

D Nothing

PHP functions can return any data type including numbers, strings, arrays, and objects.

What happens after a return statement is executed in a PHP function?

A The function continues running

B The function pauses

C The function restarts

D The function stops and returns the value

A return statement immediately stops the function and sends the value back.

Which of these is NOT a valid return value in PHP?

A A CSS style

B An array

C A function call

D An integer

CSS styles are not valid return values; PHP functions return data types like integers, arrays, or function results.

Explain how the return statement works in a PHP function and why it is useful.

Think about how you get answers from a function after it runs.

Describe what happens if a PHP function does not have a return statement.

What does the function give back by default?