Question

When is the right time to use functions to set variables inside of my models, verse simply directly assigning them?

AKA…

When do I use:

$model->set('status','active');

…instead of:

$model->status = 'active';

Answer 1

using getters and setters is good for the encapsulation of code. It’s always a good idea to use them.

Think about this:

• What if your model has some variables that you don’t want to be able to be read or changed (or both)?
• What if you ever need to do something besides just getting and setting the variable? (for example, sanatizing data)?