PHP Session Encode Decode
by Vincy. Last modified on July 9th, 2022.
In PHP, session encodes and decode operations are automatically performed while storing session data in memory and reading stored sessions, respectively. While encoding, the $_SESSION array is converted into serialized string format and decoding reverts serialized string back to its original form.
This serialization will not return the same format as PHP serialize().
The encoded session data contains all $_SESSION elements separated by the semicolon. Each element contains three parts: session index, session length, and session value. For example,
index1|s:length1:"value1";index2|s:length2:"value2";...
Session Encode Decode functions in PHP
PHP provides functions to perform session encode and decode manually. These functions are,
- session_encode()
- session_decode()
Before using these functions, we need to start the session using session_start(). Otherwise, we should set session.auto_start directive as 1 in the PHP.ini file.
While invoking session_encode() it will take the entire $_SESSION global array to serialize.
PHP session_decode() accepts serialized session data and converts it into an array. This function returns TRUE on successful decode. session_decode() reloads $_SESSION array with decoded data.
PHP Session Encode Decode Example
In this example, we have two session ids, product_code, and logged_in. While invoking session_encode(), it returns serialized string data into a variable.
When we decode serialized session data by using session_decode(), it reloads $_SESSION array with stored information.
In this example, we have changed the values of product_code and logged_in. But, the changed values are replaced by previously-stored session data while invoking session_decode.
<?php
session_start();
$_SESSION["product_code"] = "2222";
$_SESSION["logged_in"] = "yes";
$enc_session = session_encode();
print "<b>Encoded Session Data:<br/></b>";
print $enc_session . "<br/><br/>";
// Changing session values
$_SESSION['product_code'] = "2000";
$_SESSION["logged_in"] = "no";
// printing $_SESSION
print "<b>SESSION Array:<br/></b>";
print "<pre>";
print_r($_SESSION);
print "</pre>";
session_decode($enc_session);
// printing Reloaded $_SESSION
print "<b>Reloaded SESSION Array:<br/></b>";
print "<pre>";
print_r($_SESSION);
print "</pre>";
?>
Output:
Encoded Session Data:
product_code|s:4:"2222";logged_in|s:3:"yes";
Changed SESSION values:
Array (
[product_code] => 2000
[logged_in] => no
)Reloaded SESSION Array:
Array(
[product_code] => 2222
[logged_in] => yes
)
Download PHP Session Encode Decode Source
Written by Vincy, a web developer with 15+ years of experience and a Masters degree in Computer Science. She specializes in building modern, lightweight websites using PHP, JavaScript, React, and related technologies. Phppot helps you in mastering web development through over a decade of publishing quality tutorials.
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Hi, I'm Vincy. I help build websites, grow businesses, big and small. If that is what you want, contact me.
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thanks for the info! helped..
g.
welcome
Thanks you very much
Really, your course is very helpful
Welcome Hassen.