Appending to an array variable in a parent class in PHP

Question

How do I extend my parent's options array for child classes in PHP?

I have something like this:

class ParentClass {

     public $options = array(
          'option1'=>'setting1'
     );

     //The rest of the functions would follow
}

I would like to append to that options array in a child class without erasing any of the parent options. I've tried doing something like this, but haven't quite got it to work yet:

class ChildClass extends ParentClass {

     public $options = parent::options + array(
          'option2'=>'setting2'
     );

     //The rest of the functions would follow
}

What would be the best way to do something like this?

Manoj Sharma · Accepted Answer · 2017-06-05 13:22:57Z

8

I think it is better practice to initialize this property in the constructor and then you can extend the value in any descendant class:

<?php
class ParentClass {

    public $options;
    public function __construct() {
        $this->options = array(
            'option1'=>'setting1'
        );
    }
    //The rest of the functions would follow
}

class ChildClass extends ParentClass {
    public function __construct() {
        parent::__construct();
        $this->options['option2'] = 'setting2';
    }
    //The rest of the functions would follow
}
?>

edited Jun 5, 2017 at 13:22

Manoj Sharma

1,4552 gold badges13 silver badges20 bronze badges

answered Oct 22, 2008 at 0:57

Czimi

2,5541 gold badge17 silver badges14 bronze badges

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

Comments

Andy Lester · Accepted Answer · 2008-10-22 00:58:27Z

1

PHP or no, you should have an accessor to do it, so you can call $self->append_elements( 'foo' => 'bar' ); and not worry about the internal implementation.

answered Oct 22, 2008 at 0:58

Andy Lester

94.2k16 gold badges106 silver badges162 bronze badges

Comments

Till · Accepted Answer · 2008-10-22 02:11:46Z

1

Can you array_merge?

Assuming you use the ctr to create the class.

E.g.

public function __construct(array $foo)
{
  $this->options = array_merge(parent::$options, $foo);
}

edited Oct 22, 2008 at 2:11

answered Oct 22, 2008 at 1:26

Till

22.5k4 gold badges61 silver badges89 bronze badges

1 Comment

Geoff Over a year ago

$this->options = array_merge(...)

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Appending to an array variable in a parent class in PHP

3 Answers 3

Comments

Comments

1 Comment

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

3 Answers 3

Comments

Comments

1 Comment

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related