Require classes only if needed?

[Anon]

Hey, everyone --

Quick question. I'm working on a project wherein I've established a fair-sized object hierarchy (at least in the manner in which objects include each other). Most functions center around a main object, which requires (via require_once()) most of the other objects -- some of which are nothing more than data containers.

However, several of the objects were made to group together specialized functions, such as for searching the database. The problem is that every page in the application requires the main object, but I only want it, in turn, to require its little servant objects if their functions are being utilized...otherwise, I don't want to download the extra 20-30k or more code.

Can I do a require_once() on a class from within a function which needs it? It seems like that wouldn't work, since the class code would be placed in the middle of another class's function. I'm wondering if there's another way....

Thanks!
-Jeremy

[daarius]

well, you can use include_once() inside a function that needs the file. and that will work.

but require_once() will be "included" in all cases, even if its not required.

e.g. if you have:
if ($f == $t) {
require_once();
}

above, the required file will be included even if the statement is not true. but if you use include_once(), then it will be fine.

[Anon]

Daarius -

Thanks for the reply. Sorry, I should have specified include_once() rather than require_once(). But it'll work if I use include, despite an entire class being included smack in the middle of another class's member function?