PHP - How to show expected return array elements

When your function or method returns an associative array, it's beneficial to document the expected structure of that array using PHPDoc type annotations. This practice not only serves as documentation for developers using your code but also enables features like auto-completion in integrated development environments (IDEs).

For example:

/**
* Creates a user.
*
* @return array{"name": string, "age": int, "married": bool}
*/
function createUser(): array { 
	return ['name' => 'Nayf', 'age' => 38, 'married' => true];
}

In this PHPDoc block, the @return annotation is used to specify that the function returns an associative array with three elements: "name" of type string, "age" of type int, and "married" of type bool. This information provides clarity on the expected structure of the returned array.

The PHPDoc type system supports various basic PHP types such as string, bool, int, array, null, and more. By incorporating these type annotations, you enhance the readability of your code and enable better tooling support in IDEs. Developers working with your code can benefit from auto-completion suggestions and receive immediate feedback about the expected types of array elements.

This practice contributes to better code quality, maintenance, and collaboration within a development team.