Printf Query

[Naps]

Quick question regarding the printf function.

 

I understand that printf will print a formatted string for example:

 

$mystring = printf('%.1f', 1.2); //Will output 1.2

 

However I don't understand why if I then print $mystring the result is 3

 

Example:

$mystring = printf('%.1f', 1.2); //prints 1.2
echo "<br><br>";
echo $mystring  //Prints 3

 

Please could someone explain how this works?

 

[PFMaBiSmAd]

printf directly prints the output to the browser. It returns an integer that is -

 

Return Values

Returns the length of the outputted string.

 

If you want to assign the formatted string to a variable, use sprintf

 

 

[Naps]

Thanks PFMaBiSmAd, I am still curious though as to why when $mystring is echoed after $mystring = printf('%.1f', 1.2); it results in 3. Do you know why this is?

[kicken]

Return Values

Returns the length of the outputted string.

 

The return value is the length of the generated string.  "1.2" has length=3

[Naps]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.