getype() question

[sachinphp]

I'm using a form which "posts" to a php program. When I try gettype() on my form variables, it always returns "string" even if I enter a number, decimal etc in the field. any ideas why?

Thanks

[[deleted]]

Because gettype() is not the function to use.
Did you read this warning in the manual?:

"Never use gettype() to test for a certain type, since the returned string may be subject to change in a future version. In addition, it is slow too, as it involves string comparision .

Instead, use the is_* functions."