PHP OOP and Arrays

Question

I am new to PHP OOP and I am having problem getting arrays back.

class example
{
    public $array;

    public function __construct()
    {
        $this->array = array();

    }

    public function do_work()
    {
        $this->array[] = 'test';
    }
}
$test = new example();
$test->do_work();
$test->array;

I keep getting a empty array instead of 'test'. What am I doing wrong?

new example() would create the object with the array and $test->array will technically allow you access the array but if you don't call $test->do_work(); the array will not contain anything. — EmmanuelG
– EmmanuelG, Commented May 11, 2012 at 19:59
Perhaps you meant to invoke do_work() in the constructor? Also, it's never a good idea to use protected keywords for variable names. — Ansari
– Ansari, Commented May 11, 2012 at 20:00
@Ansari: I disagree with both of your statements. Please do explain. — Madara's Ghost
– Madara's Ghost, Commented May 11, 2012 at 20:03
@BlakeJeffery: Your code (as it is, literally copy pasted) works flawlessly. Are you sure that is your entire code? — Madara's Ghost
– Madara's Ghost, Commented May 11, 2012 at 20:05

Jeff Lambert · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-11 20:07:22Z

5

This is because you never actually call the function $test->do_work(); The constructor just creates the empty array, and then you attempt to access the property. It should be empty.

Updates

I see you updated your question. If you simply echo $test->array, it should just print Array. However, when I copy your updated code and perform a var_dump($test->array), this is the output I get:

array(1) { [0]=> string(4) "test" }

Which I believe is what you are expecting. The code that you have in your question, though, should output nothing. You are doing nothing with $test->array, the variable is being evaluated and then thrown away.

edited May 11, 2012 at 20:07

answered May 11, 2012 at 19:59

Jeff Lambert

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2 Comments

Madara's Ghost Over a year ago

Note that in the original answer, OP didn't have $test->do_work() in his code. It's not shown due to the edit grace period.

Jeff Lambert Over a year ago

@Blake no problem, glad we could help.

jeroen · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-11 20:08:47Z

4

Your last statement, $test->array; doesn't actually do anything. My guess is that you are using something like echo. Your code should output the array if you use for example var_dump, see the example on codepad

answered May 11, 2012 at 20:08

jeroen

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