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5 years ago
To check if a variable is boolean is one thing, to evaluate if the value of a variable represents a boolean condition (true or false) is another.



Here is a simple function that checks the status of the received variable in regard to boolean equivalencies (case-insensitive).



<?php

/** 

 * Check "Booleanic" Conditions :)

 *

 * @param  [mixed]  $variable  Can be anything (string, bol, integer, etc.)

 * @return [boolean]           Returns TRUE  for "1", "true", "on" and "yes"

 *                             Returns FALSE for "0", "false", "off" and "no"

 *                             Returns NULL otherwise.

 */

function is_enabled($variable)

{

    if (!isset($variable)) return null;

    return filter_var($variable, FILTER_VALIDATE_BOOLEAN, FILTER_NULL_ON_FAILURE);

}

?>



Of course, it is a simplistic approach, but for the majority of cases it will do the job right.



And, just to put the thing from the right perspective, here's a real function that does what Phill disclosed:



<?php

/** 

 * Convert $variable to boolean (adapted from Phill answer)

 *

 * @param  [mixed]  $variable  Can be anything

 * @return [boolean]           Returns the booelan equivalent to $variable based on Zend Enegine interpretation

 */

function to_bool($variable) 

{ 

    return (bool)$variable;

}

?>



I hope it helps someone. Happy coding.
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