Using php namespaces properly

Question

I am trying to figure out how to use the namespace in php. I have been reading about how to use it and for some reason I can not get it to work. I have two files one which I have stored in Applications/Database/Classes file name is DatabaseConnection.php and the other in the root directory called DB.phpinside the DatabaseConnection.php file I have the following code:

<?php
    function hello()
    {
        echo "hello";
    }
?>

This is the DB.php file contents:

<?php
namespace Applications\Database\Classes;
ini_set('display_errors', true);
hello();
?>

Maybe I am completely missing how to use it properly but if I set a namespace is that the same as using include or require? I might be completely misunderstanding how to use it. I am new to OOP and have never heard of namespaces until I started trying to learn OOP? Can someone point out what I did wrong.

I know some Trekkies ... they use spacenames nearly in the same way you do ;) — djot
– djot, Commented Sep 21, 2013 at 19:31
namespaces dont automatically require files. You could however use an autoloader — Rob
– Rob, Commented Sep 21, 2013 at 19:34

SnareChops · Accepted Answer · 2013-09-21 19:46:59Z

1

Namespaces are for organizing your code in so that you can divide components up and help with the readability. For example if I have a class Pittbull and another Dashund I can place them into a namespace like so for organization:

Animals.Dogs.Pittbull
Animals.Dogs.Dashund

This also helps with potential collisions like the below:

Animals.Dogs.Misc
Animals.Cats.Misc

The Misc class exists twice in this instance, but instead of there being a conflict of which Misc to use, you can use the same class name for both classes (and have different properties and methods inside of them) and not have a conflict of which one you want to use.

The require keyword is a completely different concept and is used to load actual files into the executing script.

answered Sep 21, 2013 at 19:46

SnareChops

13.4k10 gold badges71 silver badges91 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

user680786 · Accepted Answer · 2013-09-21 19:42:45Z

0

Instruction how to use autoloading in PHP (PSR-0):
https://github.com/php-fig/fig-standards/blob/master/accepted/PSR-0.md

answered Sep 21, 2013 at 19:42

user680786

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Using php namespaces properly

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related