OOP Techniques

jonno946

Hi there,

I hava a question about OOP techniques.

Up until now i have used objects as variables, mainly for encapsulation. For example, encapsulating database connections, sessions, templates, permissions etc into classes for easy code reuse. However, i'm finding much of my programming still very procedural.

I've heard lots of talk rescently about "pure" OO. But how is "pure OO implemented? After having a look into the vanilla forum code, this seems to be a good example of "pure" OO code.

Just wondering what peoples preferences are with using objects, and what the "prefered way" of programming PHP OO software is.

PHP is my first programming language, so people coming from a Java or C++ background will find answering this question easy!

Thanks

Jonno.

signalii

Just IMO, but purity is for Evian. Do what works instead of what will make purists happy.

But that's a non-answer -- so a little more practical answer:

The way I've had the most success in programming OO is to diagram, diagram, diagram. Use a UML modeller or just paper and pencil, and encapsulate your types as classes, work out relationships between them, and add in methods as necessary.

You may need to do a number of iterations of your UML and an even greater number of process flowcharts before you lay down any code at all. The XP crowd is going to jump all over me, but I've had the most success when I do this, and then when first attacking the code I document first and flesh out later. I find it's most efficient to work out as many angles as possible ahead of time.

That being said, you'll always find more and more problems while coding, but building a good house starts with the foundation (your diagrams) and frames (your documented skeleton code). You can always retile the bathroom later.

Again, all just IMO.

paulnaj

Hi Jonno,

You didn't mention if you were using PHP 4 or PHP 5.

If it's the former then I wouldn't definitely not bother to try 'pure' oop, simply because PHP4 does not have the capabilities to deliver (multiple inheritance, for example).

But, as a way of working, I find OOP a really organised way to go, even in PHP4.

As far as PHP 5 goes, I haven't used it so wouldn't want to comment.

Paul 🙂

jonno946

yes it i'm currently still working with PHP4, i too are yet to use PHP5.

it seems the way i am currently programming isn't too wrong after all then!

i really do need to find the time and have a play with PHP 5!