Object Oriented PHP Programming A Beginner's Guide
Introduction
Hey there, future Object Oriented PHP programmer! Do you want to learn all the fundamentals of OOP in PHP? Well, you've come to the right place. In this post, we'll cover classes, inheritance and encapsulation – the three core concepts of OOP.
But don't worry – we won't be going too deep into the theoretical concepts. Instead, we'll focus on showing you how to apply these concepts in a real-world programming context. With that said, let's get started!
Overview of Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
Let's face it, we all like to be organized. It just makes life a little less messy. Well, the same can be said for our computer programs – especially when it comes to Object Oriented Programming (OOP).
In OOP, we break our programs down into classes, which helps us keep our code neat and tidy. We can also use these classes to create objects, which act as containers for data and code. This makes our programs more efficient and easier to manage.
Plus, OOP makes it easy to reuse code, which is a real lifesaver when it comes to programming. So the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by your code, try using some OOP principles – it just might make your life a little less chaotic.
Understanding Classes in PHP
Classes are one of the fundamentals of object-oriented programming. In PHP, a class is a template for creating objects. It is a blueprint from which you can create an object.
A class contains the code that defines the data and behavior of an object. In other words, a class sets the rules for how an object should behave. It also defines the characteristics of an object, such as its data members (variables) and methods.
In this example, we will create a class for storing information about cars. The class will contain the data members (variables) and methods needed to store and retrieve information about cars.
Taking Advantage of Inheritance
When I was first learning about object oriented programming, I thought classes were a bit like castes in India. You were born into a specific class, and that's where you stayed for the rest of your life. But it turns out, classes in object oriented programming are more like families. You can create new classes that inherit the properties of older classes, and you can add your own methods and properties to those classes.
Inheritance is a powerful tool that you can use to create complex systems with just a few lines of code. For example, imagine you're creating a program that calculates the average score for a test. You could create a class called "Score" that contains all the properties (e.g. score, name, date) for a single score. But what if you want to calculate the average score for several different tests? You could create a new class called "AvgScore" that inherits from "Score", and then add a method called "average()" that calculates the average score for all the scores in the "AvgScore" class.
Exploring Encapsulation in OOP
I explore encapsulation in Object Oriented Programming by taking a closer look at an example in PHP, where all of the methods and properties are contained within a class, making it more secure and organized.
By using encapsulation, I am able to hide the details of my class from the rest of the program. It's the same concept that I use when going out – if I want to keep people from knowing how much I had to drink, then I'll use my own built-in container – AKA, myself – to hide it.
It's not only about security and organization, though – encapsulation also makes it easier for me to debug and maintain my program as a whole. And when it comes to writing code, being able to debug quickly is key.
Practicing Polymorphism
Before we get too deep into polymorphism, we need an example. Imagine a company of robots and humans working together in a web development shop. They all have their own unique capabilities, but the main goal is to produce the same kind of output: a functioning website.
In this case, polymorphism can be used to create a single interface for both the robots and humans that treat them as if they were the same type of coder – even though they’re not. This means that when you call certain methods, the correct ones will be executed depending on who’s receiving the call.
With our PHP skills in place, it’s time to practice polymorphism in an actual codebase! We can make sure that our code isn’t dependent on a specific type of coder (robot or human) by having classes that are interchangeable and easily extendable by each other.
Tips for Object Oriented PHP Programming
As I quickly found out when delving into object oriented PHP programming, there's more to it than just classes, inheritance and encapsulation. To be successful in your OOP endeavors, it's important to create a programmatic style with consistent formatting and structure. Think of it like writing an essay – having a structure helps you stay on track and find the information you need quickly.
Also take the time to document your code as you go along; this will help your future self understand the code much faster than if you had to start from scratch. And lastly, if you run into trouble, don't be afraid to ask for help – that's why the internet was invented! Just remember, you don't have to figure out everything by yourself.
Conclusion
So, those are the three core concepts of Object Oriented Programming with PHP: classes, inheritance, and encapsulation. It's a lot to take in, but with a little practice, you'll be able to create classes and objects like a pro!
Remember, inheritance enables you to create classes that are based on other classes, while encapsulation allows you to hide the details of a class from the outside world. And polymorphism lets you treat objects of different classes in the same way, thanks to their common ancestor.
With these basics under your belt, you're ready to start creating your own Object Oriented PHP programs!
So there you have it! A brief introduction to the four pillars of OOP. Remember, learning to code can be a lot of fun, especially when you're learning with bcahngu.live. Happy coding!