How to echo a custom object in PHP?

Question

Given a particular class, TheClass, with an instance foo, is there any way to have PHP echo foo; in a customized manner?

class TheClass {
    public $Name;
    public $Number;
    function MrFunction() { /* bla bla bla */ }
}

$foo = new TheClass();

echo $foo;

As I understand, you cannot overload echo and I realize I could easily have $foo->MrFunction() do the work. However I am wondering if there is a way to code in which

echo $foo prints out $foo->Name and $foo->Number.

We're using PHP Version 5.2.6 but upgrading is not an issue.

@my younger self - they're magic because they are called automatically during execution, without explicitly being called by the developer — That Realty Programmer Guy
– That Realty Programmer Guy, Commented Jul 13, 2017 at 1:31

mickmackusa · Accepted Answer · 2018-04-16 01:32:18Z

33

I think you are looking for print_r($foo), or var_dump($foo).

edited Apr 16, 2018 at 1:32

mickmackusa♦

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answered May 15, 2011 at 23:45

Steve Mallory

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prodigitalson · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-16 03:48:26Z

31

class TheClass {
    public $Name;
    public $Number;
    function MrFunction() { /* bla bla bla */ }

   public function __toString()
   {
     return $this->Name . ' '. $this->Number;
   }
}


echo $theClassInstance;

edited May 16, 2011 at 3:48

answered May 15, 2011 at 23:46

prodigitalson

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1 Comment

onteria_ Over a year ago

You want need (string) casting as echo explicitly does that for you

onteria_ · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-15 23:46:15Z

9

Yes, using the __toString magic method

answered May 15, 2011 at 23:46

onteria_

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Comments

CVM · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-15 23:45:14Z

8

What you need is the __toString() magic method. The example in the docs should show what you need.

http://www.php.net/manual/en/language.oop5.magic.php#language.oop5.magic.tostring:

answered May 15, 2011 at 23:45

CVM

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