I was wondering that as well. While I was at it, I wondered why not use __to_str(), as per the PHP coding guidelines. While I'm at it, why is grass green, and milk white? On Apr 12, 2005 10:27 AM, Richard Davey <rich@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > Hello Tim, > > Tuesday, April 12, 2005, 10:07:44 AM, you wrote: > > TB> I'm wondering, why does the toString() of classes have two underscored > TB> preceding it [e.g. __toString()], as opposed to Java's normal toString()? > > TB> What's the purpose of the two underscores in PHP's classes? > > The short answer: Because PHP isn't Java. > > The long answer: Two underscores denote what PHP refers to as a "magic > method". You shouldn't have your own functions with the same names > (unless you require that magical functionality). Have a look in the > PHP manual under the "Magic Methods" section for more info / examples. > > Best regards, > > Richard Davey > -- > http://www.launchcode.co.uk - PHP Development Services > "I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them." - Isaac Asimov > > -- > PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) > To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php > > -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
