Declaring multiple arrays in PHP with one line

Question

Is it possible to declare multiple arrays in PHP in one line?

$userAnswers = array();
$questionIDs = array ();
$sqlAnswers = array();
$sqlAnswersQuery = array();
$correctAnswers = array();

Any cleaner ways of doing this?

NOTE: The contents of these arrays are all DIFFERENT. I don't think setting them equal to each other would work.

Answer 1

There is a way. Wether you like it or not is another question:

$userAnswers = $questionIDs = $sqlAnswers = $sqlAnswersQuery = $correctAnswers = array();

I'm not a fan of this. This isn't easy to read, especially for the-new-guy-who-doesn't-know-this-code. This works for small amounts of variables, but even then with caution:

$hasErrors = $hasWarnings = false;

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I think the way you should declare the variables as array depends on how you set the first values, we can't see enough code to answer based on that.

• Nicholas Roberts: All of my arrays are going to have different contents, would setting them equal to each other make them have all the same contents?
• Martijn: Nope, it's not by reference, you just all set them to the last value of the line. But again, your current method is a better plan. Just add a few spaces to line up the equation signs, will be enough.

Answer 2

This is good as it is. It's recommended to have one statement per line, for better readability: code is easier to read when the logic flows from top to bottom, with no distractions sideways. So even if there was a way to do this on one line, you really shouldn't.