🟢 Basic Level
1️⃣ What is a function in PHP?
👉 A function is a reusable block of code that performs a specific task.
2️⃣ How do you define a function in PHP?
function myFunction() {
echo "Hello";
}
3️⃣ What is the difference between echo and return?
👉 echo → outputs directly
👉 return → sends value back to caller
4️⃣ What are function parameters?
👉 Variables passed into a function as input.
function add($a, $b) {
return $a + $b;
}
5️⃣ What are default arguments?
👉 Predefined values used if no argument is passed.
function greet($name = "Guest") {
echo $name;
}
🟡 Intermediate Level
6️⃣ What is the difference between pass by value and pass by reference?
👉 Pass by value (default):
function test($x) {
$x = 10;
}
👉 Pass by reference:
function test(&$x) {
$x = 10;
}
📌 & allows modifying original variable
7️⃣ What are variable functions in PHP?
👉 Calling functions using a variable name.
function hello() {
echo "Hi";
}$f = "hello";
$f();
8️⃣ What is a recursive function?
👉 A function that calls itself.
function countDown($n) {
if ($n <= 0) return;
echo $n;
countDown($n - 1);
}
9️⃣ What are built-in functions?
👉 Predefined PHP functions like:
strlen()count()array_merge()
🔟 What is function overloading in PHP?
👉 PHP does NOT support traditional function overloading.
But you can simulate it using:
- Default arguments
func_get_args()
🔴 Advanced Level
1️⃣1️⃣ What are anonymous functions (closures)?
👉 Functions without name.
$greet = function($name) {
return "Hello $name";
};echo $greet("Aditya");
1️⃣2️⃣ What is a closure in PHP?
👉 Anonymous function that can access variables from outside using use.
$message = "Hello";$func = function() use ($message) {
echo $message;
};$func();
1️⃣3️⃣ What are arrow functions in PHP?
👉 Short syntax (PHP 7.4+)
$sum = fn($a, $b) => $a + $b;
1️⃣4️⃣ What is callable in PHP?
👉 A type that represents valid function calls.
function run(callable $func) {
$func();
}
1️⃣5️⃣ What is function_exists()?
👉 Checks if function is defined.
if (function_exists('test')) {
test();
}
1️⃣6️⃣ What is include vs require in functions?
👉 include → warning if file missing
👉 require → fatal error (script stops)
1️⃣7️⃣ Can a function return multiple values?
👉 Yes (using arrays)
function getData() {
return [1, 2];
}
1️⃣8️⃣ What are variable scope types in functions?
👉 Types:
- Local
- Global
- Static
function test() {
static $x = 0;
$x++;
echo $x;
}
1️⃣9️⃣ What is recursion base case?
👉 Condition to stop recursion.
if ($n == 0) return 1;
2️⃣0️⃣ What is the use of global keyword?
👉 Access global variables inside function.
$x = 10;function test() {
global $x;
echo $x;
}
🎯 Pro Interview Tips
👉 Interviewers often ask:
- Difference between
echovsreturn - Pass by reference (
&) - Closures & arrow functions
- Recursion logic
- Scope (global/static)
🚀 Bonus Coding Questions
Try solving:
- Write a function to reverse a string
- Create a function to find factorial (recursive)
- Function to check palindrome
- Pass array to function and return sum
- Create a closure example
- Dynamic calculator using variable functions






