---
title: "[RFC] [Discussion] Literal Scalar Types"
url: https://daily.dev/posts/rfc-discussion-literal-scalar-types-u06nyuqbp
source_url: https://externals.io/message/131252
type: article
source: "externals.io"
published: 2026-06-15T02:44:41.760Z
updated: 2026-06-15T02:45:02.838Z
tags: ["php"]
reading_time: 7
upvotes: 0
comments: 0
language: en
---

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# [RFC] [Discussion] Literal Scalar Types

**[externals.io](https://daily.dev/sources/externals)** · 7 min read · 0 upvotes · 0 comments

## Summary

A PHP internals RFC discussion proposes adding literal scalar types to PHP, allowing function signatures to express exact accepted values like `0|1|2` or `"ascii"|"utf-8"` as types. The RFC author argues this fills gaps that enums cannot: retrofitting existing scalar APIs without breaking callers, defining open value sets that can grow without BC breaks, and enabling direct scalar interop (array keys, JSON, strict equality). A community member counters that enums already cover most use cases, questioning whether the scope of change is justified, and arguing backed enums handle scalar interop through value exposure.

## Full article

daily.dev links to this article rather than hosting it. Read it at the original source: <https://externals.io/message/131252>

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