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How to Use the is_int Function in PHP to Check if a Value Is an Integer

gitbox 2025-08-14

In PHP development, it is often necessary to validate a variable's type to ensure data accuracy and program stability. The is_int() function is a highly useful tool for determining whether a value is of integer type. This article provides a detailed guide on using the is_int() function, common use cases, and important considerations.

1. Introduction to the is_int() Function

is_int() is a built-in PHP function used to check whether a given variable is an integer. If the variable is an integer, the function returns true; otherwise, it returns false. Its syntax is as follows:

<span><span><span class="hljs-keyword">bool</span></span><span> </span><span><span class="hljs-title function_ invoke__">is_int</span></span><span>(</span><span><span class="hljs-keyword">mixed</span></span><span> </span><span><span class="hljs-variable">$value</span></span><span>)
</span></span>

Parameters:

  • $value: The variable to check, which can be of any type.

Return Value:

  • Returns true if the variable is an integer;

  • Returns false if the variable is not an integer.

2. Usage Examples

Example 1: Checking an Integer Value

<span><span><span class="hljs-variable">$number</span></span><span> = </span><span><span class="hljs-number">10</span></span><span>;
<p></span>if (is_int($number)) {<br>
echo "$number is an integer.";<br>
} else {<br>
echo "<span class="hljs-subst">$number is not an integer.";<br>
}<br>

Output:

<span><span>10 is an integer.
</span></span>

Example 2: Checking a Numeric String

<span><span><span class="hljs-variable">$number</span></span><span> = </span><span><span class="hljs-string">"10"</span></span><span>;
<p></span>if (is_int($number)) {<br>
echo "$number is an integer.";<br>
} else {<br>
echo "<span class="hljs-subst">$number is not an integer.";<br>
}<br>

Output:

<span><span>10 is not an integer.
</span></span>

Although "10" looks like an integer, it is a string, so is_int() returns false.

Example 3: Checking a Calculation Result

<span><span><span class="hljs-variable">$result</span></span><span> = </span><span><span class="hljs-number">5</span></span><span> + </span><span><span class="hljs-number">3</span></span><span>;
<p></span>if (is_int($result)) {<br>
echo "The calculation result is an integer.";<br>
}<br>
</span>

Output:

<span><span>The calculation result is an integer.
</span></span>

3. Common Use Cases

  1. Input Validation: Ensure user input is an integer to prevent type errors from crashing the program.

  2. Data Processing: Confirm data is an integer before performing mathematical operations or database queries.

  3. Conditional Logic: Branch logic based on variable type to improve code robustness.

4. Relationship with is_integer() and is_long()

In PHP, is_int(), is_integer(), and is_long() are functionally equivalent; they all check if a variable is an integer, just with different names:

<span><span><span class="hljs-title function_ invoke__">var_dump</span></span><span>(</span><span><span class="hljs-title function_ invoke__">is_int</span></span><span>(</span><span><span class="hljs-number">100</span></span><span>));      </span><span><span class="hljs-comment">// true</span></span><span>
</span><span><span class="hljs-title function_ invoke__">var_dump</span></span><span>(</span><span><span class="hljs-title function_ invoke__">is_integer</span></span><span>(</span><span><span class="hljs-number">100</span></span><span>));  </span><span><span class="hljs-comment">// true</span></span><span>
</span><span><span class="hljs-title function_ invoke__">var_dump</span></span><span>(</span><span><span class="hljs-title function_ invoke__">is_long</span></span><span>(</span><span><span class="hljs-number">100</span></span><span>));     </span><span><span class="hljs-comment">// true</span></span><span>
</span></span>

These functions are interchangeable, but it is recommended to use is_int() for its concise and clear name.

5. Important Considerations

  • is_int() does not perform automatic type conversion. A numeric string will return false even if its content represents an integer.

  • If you want to check if a value “looks like an integer,” you can use is_numeric() or convert it to an integer before checking.

Example: Checking After Converting a String to Integer

<span><span><span class="hljs-variable">$input</span></span><span> = </span><span><span class="hljs-string">"42"</span></span><span>;
</span><span><span class="hljs-variable">$converted</span></span><span> = (</span><span><span class="hljs-keyword">int</span></span><span>)</span><span><span class="hljs-variable">$input</span></span><span>;
<p></span>if (is_int($converted)) {<br>
echo "The value is an integer after conversion.";<br>
}<br>
</span>

Output:

<span><span>The value is an integer after conversion.
</span></span>

6. Conclusion

is_int() is a simple yet very practical function in PHP that helps developers quickly determine whether a value is an integer. When writing programs that require strict type control, using is_int() can significantly enhance code robustness and safety. Mastering its usage and applying it flexibly in real scenarios is an essential skill for every PHP developer.