Cannot use [ ] for reading

Question

I tried to do var_dump($_SERVER[]);

I received this error:

Cannot use [] for reading

Any hints for me?

Because that will create a new numerically-sequenced-key elemenet in the array `$_SERVER` — Ismael Miguel, Mar 18 '16 at 19:22
A bit more clearance that all the `super global variables` are itself array types so no need to add `[]` in front of them — Alive to die - Anant, Mar 18 '16 at 19:27

score 4 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 18 '16 at 19:22

4

Use

var_dump($_SERVER);

this will print all the server variables.

answered Mar 18 '16 at 19:22

Somil

567
5
13

score 4 · Answer 2 · answered Mar 18 '16 at 19:34

Currently, every answer fails to answer the Why?.

$_SERVER[] is the syntax used to create a new sequential element. The new key will be numertical, starting from 0.

Example:

<?PHP
    $array = [];
    $array[] = 1;
    $array['a test'] = 'nope';
    $array[] = 1;

    print_r($array);

This will give the following output:

Array
(
  [0] => 1
  [a test] => nope
  [1] => 1
)

Why can't you use it for reading?

This is easy: PHP expects you to pass a value to add to the array. Since you don't give any, PHP can't read the element that is trying to create. That is like hatching an egg before there was ever a chicken.

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Mar 18 '16 at 19:21

2

You have to use var_dump($_SERVER);

answered Mar 18 '16 at 19:21

Allan Pereira

2,572
4
21
28

score 2 · Answer 4 · answered Mar 18 '16 at 19:22

2

Remove the [] ;) Just use var_dump($_SERVER);

answered Mar 18 '16 at 19:22

Swag

2,090
9
33
63

Cannot use [ ] for reading

4 Answers4