Just a basic definition question

redeyes

Hi everyone.

I have a definition question. I have seen something for quite a while and I don't understand it.
It is hard to do a search on google and find any specific information since it is a really just a character. Also I looked for it in PHP.net but I don't even know what it is called.

What is "->"
ie $this->connection
or $this->values

Does it always have to be "this"?

I'm guessing it is localising the command to a function or a particular area of code.

Could someone explain the basics a little more please?

Cheers.

drew010

its used with objects that are defined by a class. when you are inside functions in the class code, the current object is defined as $this and you access other variables and functions within the class by using the -> operator (in c++ some call it the dereference and select operator). when you are outside of the class using an object you also use this.

<?php

class x {
  var $x;

  function x() {
    $this->x = 42;
  }

  function y() {
    $this->x *= 2;
  }

  function double() {
    $this->y();
  }
}

$my_x = new x();

$my_x->double();
echo $my_x->x;

?>