Difference between -> and =

[paulfallan]

Hi this is my first time using a forum and php so bare with me. I have browsed the various tutorials and cant find an answer.

What is the exact meaning of '->' and how does it differ from '='?

Example 1.

$this->url = $SESSION['url'] = $SERVER['PHP_SELF'];

Example 2.

$this->foo = 'Foo';

Example 3.

echo "This works too: {$obj->values[3]->name}";

Example 4.

echo "This is the value of the var named by the return value of \$object->getName(): {${$object->getName()}}";

Even in the tutorial on php.net it explains what = operator is for when that is obvious but just throws in -> and starts using it without explanation.

I hope someone can help!

Kind Regards
Paul Allan

[NogDog]

"->" is a object-oriented coding operator that identifies an element of an object, where the object variable is on the left and the element is on the right. The element can be either a method (function) of that object or one of the object's variables. If you are familiar with JavaScript, then PHP's $obj->values[3]->name is analogous to JS's obj.values[3].name.

[Kudose]

Just as an FYI

{${$object->getName()}}

Looks for the method of the object who's name is defined the value of $object

Could be foo->getName() or bar->getName() or just about anything else.