How to Debug Floating-Point Data Using is_real and var_dump?

gitbox 2025-09-11

<span><span><span class="hljs-meta">&lt;?php</span></span><span>
</span><span><span class="hljs-comment">// Example of unrelated pre-code</span></span><span>
</span><span><span class="hljs-function"><span class="hljs-keyword">function</span></span></span><span> </span><span><span class="hljs-title">greet</span></span><span>(</span><span><span class="hljs-params"><span class="hljs-variable">$name</span></span></span><span>) {
    </span><span><span class="hljs-keyword">return</span></span><span> </span><span><span class="hljs-string">"Hello, "</span></span><span> . </span><span><span class="hljs-variable">$name</span></span><span> . </span><span><span class="hljs-string">"!"</span></span><span> ;
}
<p></span>$welcomeMessage = greet("User");<br>
echo $welcomeMessage;<br>
?></p>
<p><hr></p>
<p><?php<span><br>
<span class="hljs-comment">/**</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Article Body</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Title: How to Debug Floating-Point Data Using is_real and var_dump?</p>
</li>
<li></li>
<li>
<p>In PHP, floating-point numbers are used to represent decimal values. During debugging,</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>it is often necessary to verify whether a variable is a float and also examine its actual value and type.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>This article explains how to use <code>is_real

is_real(mixed $var): bool

Example:
*/

$number1 = 3.14;
$number2 = 42;

if (is_real($number1)) {
echo "$number1 is a float\n";
} else {
echo "$number1 is not a float\n";
}

if (is_real($number2)) {
echo "$number2 is a float\n";
} else {
echo "$number2 is not a float\n";
}

/**

Output:
$number1 is a float
$number2 is not a float
1. Using var_dump to Inspect Variables
The var_dump() function prints the type and value of a variable, which is particularly useful for floats
because it shows the decimal precision.
Example:
*/

var_dump($number1);
var_dump($number2);

/**

Sample Output:
float(3.14)
int(42)
By combining is_real and var_dump, you can quickly verify whether a variable is a float
and inspect its exact value and type.
1. Practical Debugging Tips
- When dealing with calculation results or function return values, first check with is_real.
- Use var_dump to print the value to ensure precision is correct.
- For floats in arrays or objects, you can loop through and use var_dump to check each element.
Example:
*/

$numbers = [1, 2.5, 3.0, 4.75];

foreach ($numbers as $num) {
if (is_real($num)) {
echo "$num is a float\n";
} else {
echo "$num is not a float\n";
}
var_dump($num);
}

/**

Conclusion:
Using is_real and var_dump is a common method for debugging floating-point data.
is_real quickly checks the type, while var_dump displays the exact value and type.
Together, they help developers effectively identify float-related issues during development and debugging.
*/
?>

is_real