Question

I currently have my PHP class variables set up like this:

class someThing {      private $cat;     private $dog;     private $mouse;     private $hamster;     private $zebra;     private $lion;      //getters, setters and other methods } 

But I’ve also seen people using a single array to store all the variables:

class someThing {      private $data = array();      //getters, setters and other methods } 

Which do you use, and why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Answer 1

Generally, the first is better for reasons other people have stated here already.

However, if you need to store data on a class privately, but the footprint of data members is unknown, you’ll often see your 2nd example combined with __get() __set() hooks to hide that they’re being stored privately.

class someThing {      private $data = array();      public function __get( $property )     {         if ( isset( $this->data[$property] ) )         {             return $this->data[$property];         }         return null;     }      public function __set( $property, $value )     {         $this->data[$property] = $value;     } } 

Then, objects of this class can be used like an instance of stdClass, only none of the members you set are actually public

$o = new someThing() $o->cow = 'moo'; $o->dog = 'woof'; // etc 

This technique has its uses, but be aware that __get() and __set() are on the order of 10-12 times slower than setting public properties directly.