PHP ambiguous code with variable function names

Question

Consider the following

Class someController {

    public static $layout = 'index';
}

Then in another scope

$layout = 'default';
$controller = 'someController';

if(property_exists($controller, 'layout')){
    $layout = $controller::$layout;
}

What will then be the content of $layout? Is it going to try to access someController::$layout or someController::default?

eval.in/302032 gives someController::$layout - although im confused as to why — ʰᵈˑ
– ʰᵈˑ, Commented Mar 19, 2015 at 11:19
@ʰᵈˑ yeah I tested it too out of curiosity, but there must be an explanation to this. — php_nub_qq
– php_nub_qq, Commented Mar 19, 2015 at 11:19

SamV · Accepted Answer · 2015-03-19 11:23:10Z

3

When PHP parses the code, the referencing of the static class variable takes preference over the standalone variable.

Edit: Infact, the parser does not even consider to think $controller::$layout has a reference to the $layout variable as it is using :: as @Paul Crovella mentioned in the question comments.

answered Mar 19, 2015 at 11:23

SamV

7,5964 gold badges41 silver badges50 bronze badges

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

2 Comments

php_nub_qq Over a year ago

Actually I just found out that to use the value of the local variable as a property name I need to use double dollar sign as in variable variables, which makes a lot of sense!

ʰᵈˑ Over a year ago

It should be noted that you can use variable variables to access a property with a variable (if that makes sense). In OPs scenario; $default = 'layout'; echo $controller::${$layout}

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

PHP ambiguous code with variable function names

1 Answer 1

2 Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

2 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related