Description
unset() destroys the specified variables.
The behavior of unset() inside of a function can vary depending on what type of variable you are attempting to destroy.
If a globalized variable is unset() inside of a function, only the local variable is destroyed. The variable in the calling environment will retain the same value as before unset() was called.
<?php
function destroy_foo()
{
global $foo;
unset($foo);
}
$foo = 'bar';
destroy_foo();
echo $foo;
?>
The above example will output:
bar
To unset() a global variable inside of a function, then use the $GLOBALS array to do so:
<?php
function foo()
{
unset($GLOBALS['bar']);
}
$bar = "something";
foo();
?>
If a variable that is PASSED BY REFERENCE is unset() inside of a function, only the local variable is destroyed. The variable in the calling environment will retain the same value as before unset() was called.
<?php
function foo(&$bar)
{
unset($bar);
$bar = "blah";
}
$bar = 'something';
echo "$bar\n";
foo($bar);
echo "$bar\n";
?>
The above example will output:
something something
If a static variable is unset() inside of a function, unset() destroys the variable only in the context of the rest of a function. Following calls will restore the previous value of a variable.
<?php
function foo()
{
static $bar;
$bar++;
echo "Before unset: $bar, ";
unset($bar);
$bar = 23;
echo "after unset: $bar\n";
}
foo();
foo();
foo();
?>
The above example will output:
Before unset: 1, after unset: 23 Before unset: 2, after unset: 23 Before unset: 3, after unset: 23
Examples
Example #1 unset() example
<?php
// destroy a single variable
unset($foo);
// destroy a single element of an array
unset($bar['quux']);
// destroy more than one variable
unset($foo1, $foo2, $foo3);
?>
Example #2 Using (unset) casting
(unset) casting is often confused with the unset() function. (unset) casting serves only as a NULL-type cast, for completeness. It does not alter the variable it's casting. The (unset) cast is deprecated as of PHP 7.2.0.
<?php
$name = 'Felipe';
var_dump((unset) $name);
var_dump($name);
?>
The above example will output:
NULL string(6) "Felipe"
Notes
Note: Because this is a language construct and not a function, it cannot be called using variable functions.
Note:
It is possible to unset even object properties visible in current context.
Note:
It is not possible to unset $this inside an object method since PHP 5.
Note:
When using unset() on inaccessible object properties, the __unset() overloading method will be called, if declared.
See Also
- isset() - Determine if a variable is set and is not NULL
- empty() - Determine whether a variable is empty
- __unset()
- array_splice() - Remove a portion of the array and replace it with something else
- (unset) casting
English translation
You have asked to visit this site in English. For now, only the interface is translated, but not all the content yet.If you want to help me in translations, your contribution is welcome. All you need to do is register on the site, and send me a message asking me to add you to the group of translators, which will give you the opportunity to translate the pages you want. A link at the bottom of each translated page indicates that you are the translator, and has a link to your profile.
Thank you in advance.
Document created the 30/01/2003, last modified the 26/10/2018
Source of the printed document:https://www.gaudry.be/en/php-rf-unset.html
The infobrol is a personal site whose content is my sole responsibility. The text is available under CreativeCommons license (BY-NC-SA). More info on the terms of use and the author.
References
These references and links indicate documents consulted during the writing of this page, or which may provide additional information, but the authors of these sources can not be held responsible for the content of this page.
The author This site is solely responsible for the way in which the various concepts, and the freedoms that are taken with the reference works, are presented here. Remember that you must cross multiple source information to reduce the risk of errors.
