PHP - Declaring a Class
How to declare class?
class ClassName {
// Properties (attributes)
public $property1;
protected $property2;
private $property3;
// Constructor (optional)
public function __construct($arg1, $arg2) {
// Constructor code
}
// Methods (functions)
public function method1() {
// Method code
}
protected function method2() {
// Method code
}
private function method3() {
// Method code
}
}
Explanation of the parts:
class ClassName: This is where you define the name of your class.
Properties (attributes): These are variables that store data associated with the class.
public $property1: A public property that can be accessed from anywhere.
protected $property2: A protected property that can only be accessed within the class and its subclasses.
private $property3: A private property that can only be accessed within the class itself.
Constructor: The constructor method is automatically called when an object is created from the class. It's used to initialize the object's properties.
public function __construct($arg1, $arg2): A constructor method with optional arguments. You can perform initialization tasks within the constructor.
Methods (functions): These are functions that define the behavior of the class.
public function method1(): A public method that can be called from anywhere.
protected function method2(): A protected method that can only be accessed within the class and its subclasses.
private function method3(): A private method that can only be accessed within the class itself.
You can create an instance of the class using the new keyword:
$object = new ClassName();
You can then access properties and methods of the object using the arrow (->) operator:
$object->property1;
$object->method1();
Remember, this is a basic example. In real-world scenarios, classes can have more properties, methods, and complex behavior.