Ternary operator in PHP - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the ternary operator in PHP?

The ternary operator is a short way to write an if-else statement. It uses the syntax: condition ? value_if_true : value_if_false.

beginner

How does the ternary operator work in PHP?

It checks the condition before the question mark (?). If true, it returns the value after the question mark and before the colon (:). If false, it returns the value after the colon (:).

beginner

Rewrite this if-else using ternary operator:<br>

if ($age >= 18) { $status = 'adult'; } else { $status = 'minor'; }

$status = ($age >= 18) ? 'adult' : 'minor';

intermediate

Can the ternary operator be nested in PHP?

Yes, you can nest ternary operators inside each other, but it can make code harder to read. Use parentheses to clarify.

beginner

What is the benefit of using the ternary operator?

It makes code shorter and easier to write for simple conditions, reducing the need for multiple lines of if-else statements.

What does this PHP code output?<br>

echo (5 > 3) ? 'Yes' : 'No';

A No

B Yes

C 5 > 3

D Error

Since 5 is greater than 3, the condition is true, so it outputs 'Yes'.

Which symbol separates the true and false parts in a ternary operator?

A :

B ?

C ;

D ,

The colon (:) separates the value if true from the value if false.

What is the correct syntax for a ternary operator in PHP?

A if (condition) true_value else false_value;

B condition : true_value ? false_value;

C condition ? false_value : true_value;

D condition ? true_value : false_value;

The ternary operator syntax is condition ? value_if_true : value_if_false.

Can ternary operators replace all if-else statements?

A No, only simple conditions

B Only with numbers

C Only in loops

D Yes, always

Ternary operators are best for simple conditions; complex logic is clearer with if-else.

What will this code output?<br>

$x = 10; echo ($x < 5) ? 'Small' : 'Large';

A 10

B Small

C Large

D Error

Since 10 is not less than 5, the condition is false, so it outputs 'Large'.

Explain how the ternary operator works in PHP and give a simple example.

Think of it as a short if-else in one line.

Describe when it is better to use a ternary operator instead of an if-else statement.

Use it for quick decisions, not for complicated checks.