PHP 8 Operator Precedence Reference

Look up how PHP groups operators

This reference helps you find a PHP operator by symbol, name, description, example, or displayed precedence level. Results show a short explanation, an example, the operator category, its associativity label, and its position in the list. You can narrow results by category and associativity, then copy a symbol or example for use in your own notes.

Precedence describes grouping: it tells you which operator binds more tightly when an expression has no parentheses. The displayed level is an ordering aid for this reference; a smaller number means a tighter binding. It is not a numeric value defined by PHP. Associativity describes grouping when operators of the same precedence appear together: for example, subtraction groups left to right, while assignment groups right to left. The PHP manual explains these rules and their version history in its operator precedence table.

Use the list as a map, not an evaluator

The reference includes familiar groups such as arithmetic, comparisons, bitwise and logical operators, assignment, null coalescing, generators, and language constructs. PHP 8 changed the relative precedence of the string concatenation dot (.) and arithmetic operators; PHP 8 also made the ternary operator non-associative. PHP 8.5 adds the pipe operator (|>), which passes a value to a callable on its right. Check the manual for the exact behavior relevant to your PHP version, especially when maintaining code across versions.

Filter to the entry you need

1. Search with a useful clue

   Enter an operator such as ??, a name such as “assignment,” a word from an explanation or example, or a displayed level number. Search matches these fields within the reference entries; it does not accept a complete PHP expression for parsing.

2. Limit the result set

   Choose an operator category, an associativity value, or both. Return each filter to “All” to broaden the list. The result count updates with the filters, and matching entries are grouped by their displayed level.

3. Read the grouping details

   Compare the symbol, category, associativity, description, and sample expression. Copy a symbol or sample if useful, then add parentheses to your own expression where they make the intended grouping clear.

For example, search and and compare it with &&. Both are logical operators, but the word operator has lower precedence than assignment. That distinction can change how an assignment expression is grouped.

Common points of confusion

Check the rule against your runtime

This is a lookup aid, not an expression parser, syntax checker, or execution environment. Its examples illustrate entries rather than proving how a larger expression behaves. Operator rules can differ by PHP version, and the displayed level is a convenient ordering label rather than an official PHP numeric precedence value. For migrations or code where grouping matters, consult the relevant version of the PHP precedence documentation, add parentheses to make intent explicit, and run tests on the project’s target PHP version. The PHP manual notes that precedence and associativity do not determine general operand evaluation order.

Checked against the PHP documentation on October 2, 2026: the manual covers the precedence table and version notes; the functional operators page describes the PHP 8.5 pipe operator.