Simple OOP Question

Discussion in 'PHP' started by ColorWP.com, Nov 1, 2011.

0
  1. #1
    Solved! View solution.
    ColorWP.com, Nov 1, 2011 IP
  2. #2
    You would typically use the :: when accessing static methods, or constant properties.

    

class MyClass
{

    public function showConstant()
    {
        
    }

}

$class = new MyClass();
$class->showConstant();

class MyClass
{
    public static function showConstant()
    {
        
    }
}

echo MyClass::showConstant();
    PHP:
    With regard to that specific page on php.net, you can access the method using either :: or ->, but I would always use -> when accessing a non-static method just to avoid ambiguity in your code. Accessing a constant property using :: is acceptable.
     
    jestep, Nov 1, 2011 IP
    www.Andro.ws likes this.
  3. sarahk

    sarahk iTamer Staff

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    #3
    Back in my early PHP days I used to put all my functions that related to a particular type of data into a class but not invoke it, just use the class as a way to keep them neat and tidy. Still valid I guess but these days I'm more likely to invoke the class and let it set values and do a bit more.

    
class MyClass {
   var $first_use = true;

   function getFirstUseFlag() {
      $output = $this->first_use;
      $this->first_use = false;
      return $output;
   }
}
$stuff = array('apples','oranges','lemons');
$class = new MyClass();
foreach($stuff as $val) {
   if ($class->getFirstUseFlag()) echo "<h1>New Heading</h1>";
   echo "<p>{$val}</p>";
}
    PHP:
    Obviously, another very simplistic example, but hopefully it helps.
     
    sarahk, Nov 5, 2011 IP