PHP8 match expression

In PHP 8, the match expression was introduced as an improvement over the traditional switch statement. While both are used for conditional branching, they have differences in syntax, behavior, and performance. Here’s a detailed comparison:

1. Syntax and Features

Match Expression

• Cleaner Syntax: Match is more concise and avoids boilerplate.

• $result = match ($value) {
      1 = 'One',
      2 = 'Two',
      3 = 'Three',
      default = 'Other',
  };
  

• Strict Comparison: Match uses strict comparison (===), ensuring type safety.
• Returns a Value: Match expressions always return a value and can be assigned directly to a variable.
• No Fallthrough: Each case in match is isolated, eliminating the risk of unintended fallthrough.

Switch Statement

• Verbose Syntax: Requires case and break keywords, making it more verbose.

• switch ($value) {
      case 1:
          $result = 'One';
          break;
      case 2:
          $result = 'Two';
          break;
      case 3:
          $result = 'Three';
          break;
      default:
          $result = 'Other';
  }
  

• Loose Comparison: Switch uses loose comparison (==), which can lead to unexpected matches due to type coercion.
• Fallthrough Allowed: Without a break, execution continues to the next case, which can lead to bugs.
• Cannot Directly Return a Value: Requires additional variables or logic for returning results.

2. Performance

Execution Time

• The match expression is slightly faster in scenarios with multiple branches because it directly resolves the match without fallthrough checks.
• The switch statement may take slightly more time due to its requirement to evaluate cases sequentially and check for fallthrough.

However, the difference in performance is negligible for most real-world use cases. Any performance difference is more about the complexity of the logic than the intrinsic speed of the constructs.

Optimization

• Both match and switch are optimized by PHP’s engine for common branching patterns.
• If performance is critical, choosing between match and switch won’t likely have a measurable impact; focus instead on simplifying logic and reducing comparisons.

3. Use Cases and Readability

Use Cases

• Use match when:
  • You want strict type comparisons.
  • You prefer a concise, readable syntax.
  • You need to return a value directly.
• Use switch when:
  • You need loose type comparisons.
  • You have multiple cases that intentionally fall through.
  • You are working on legacy code or need backward compatibility.

Readability

Match expressions are more modern and reduce the chance of errors, like missing a break. For newer PHP versions, they improve code clarity and maintainability.

Summary of Comparison

Which One is Faster?

In most scenarios, the difference in speed is minimal. The choice should depend on readability, maintainability, and whether you need strict or loose comparisons. For modern PHP (8+), match expressions are generally the preferred option due to their cleaner syntax and stricter behavior.