PHP Constructor and Destructor

PHP - The __construct Function

The __construct() keyword is used to create a constructor within a class.

A constructor nothing but a normal php function with some special features.

The main difference between a normal function and constructor is:

• When you create an object from a class, PHP will automatically call the __construct() function you defined.
• This function's name is construct by a pair of underscores (__)!. You cannot change the constructor name.

It will be very useful when you want to initialize default value to class member before execute or call any other methods.

Note:- A constructor can have function overloading like other normal functions.

Example 1:- A basic or default constructor.

<?php
class MyClass {
  function __construct() {
    echo "I am a constructor!";
  }
}
$object1 = new MyClass();
?>

Output :-

Note: In the above example, we did not call the __constructor function and its execute automatically.

Example 2 : Creating a constructor with parameters and used to set default values to properties.

<?php
class Calculator {
  public $a, $b;
  function __construct($a, $b) {
    $this->a = $a;
    $this->b = $b;
  }
  //    This is a normal to set "a" and "b" values
  //    This function will execute after calling manually.
  function setAB($a, $b) {
    $this->a = $a;
    $this->b = $b;
  }
  function do_Addition() {
    $c = $this->a + $this->b;
    echo "<br />Addition is : " . $c;
  }
  function do_Subtraction() {
    $c = $this->a - $this->b;
    echo "<br />Subtraction is : " . $c;
  }
}
$cc = new Calculator(25, 15);
$cc->do_Addition();
$cc->do_Subtraction();
$cc->setAB(1 , 2);
$cc->do_Addition();
$cc->do_Subtraction();
?>

Output :-

When an object is destroyed or when a script is terminated or quit, a destructor is invoked to destroy it.

This function will be called automatically at the end of the script if you add a function named __destruct().

There are two underscores(__) at the beginning of the destruct function!

Example :- Here's an example script that includes two functions : one executed automatically when an object is created from a class, and one called automatically at the end :

<?php
class Fruit {
  public $name;
  function __construct($name) {
    $this->name = $name;
    echo "<br />" . $this->name ." is created!";
  }
  function __destruct() {
    echo "<br />" . $this->name ." is destroyed!";
  }
}
$apple = new Fruit("Apple");
$banana = new Fruit("Banana");
?>

Output :-

Tip : Constructors and destructors are particularly beneficial since they assist reduce the amount of code.