Yes, this has been always the case. The property initializer in PHP can not have any expression. It should be constant value. If you want to use expression here use the constructor. class MyClass{ protected $nonStaticField; static protected $staticField; public function __construct(){ $this->nonStaticField = 4+5; } static public function init(){ self::$staticFiled = 4+5; } } -- Shiplu.Mokadd.im ImgSign.com | A dynamic signature machine Innovation distinguishes between follower and leader