How to execute PHP code stored as a string?

Question

I would like to execute a string as if it were PHP code.

An example would be:

$string='round(24.6,2)';

I would like to convert $string to executable syntax. Is there a way to do this?

I think you're looking for eval. php.net/manual/en/function.eval.php — h0tw1r3
– h0tw1r3, Commented Nov 29, 2012 at 22:24

Alex2php · Accepted Answer · 2012-11-29 22:24:40Z

2

eval()

is the function you want. But: eval() is evil!

answered Nov 29, 2012 at 22:24

Alex2php

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2 Comments

Jon Taylor Over a year ago

Saying eval() is evil is a stupid statement. I'm not saying you're wrong, however you really need an explination if you're going to put such a statament on SO.

Jon Taylor Over a year ago

@alrightgame that may be the case, but statements like that don't help people learn. SO provides valuable answers, but more importantly is a place for people to learn and become better at what they do. Simply stating that eval is evil will not make anyone who reads it better at what they do unless they can understand the reason behind such a statement.

Christopher Armstrong · Accepted Answer · 2012-11-29 22:24:30Z

2

You can use eval('round(24.6,2)'), but this is usually frowned upon for multiple reasons. Why do you want to do this?

answered Nov 29, 2012 at 22:24

Christopher Armstrong

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4 Comments

Jon Taylor Over a year ago

Care to elaborate on these "reasons"? It would help the OP to understand why the problem should or shouldn't be tackled in a different manner.

Madara's Ghost Over a year ago

@JonTaylor: It's inefficient and dangerous. Especially if you (the original author) didn't write this code, but some user.

Jon Taylor Over a year ago

@MadaraUchiha I understand the risks myself, I was simply trying to get the people answering to give a bit more detail in their answers, to help others.

Christopher Armstrong Over a year ago

@JonTaylor: The PHP manual has a perfect explanation of why it's not a good idea, and that was linked to in a comment - php.net/manual/en/function.eval.php

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