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PHP Object-Oriented PHP Basics (Retired) Properties and Methods Mid-Course Challenge

Prath M
Prath M
9,631 Points
Posted by Prath M
Prath M
9,631 Points

Why do we need the Construct method at all if we have to use the class names in the getInfo() function?

What was the point of re-naming the internal properties in the constructor method? The getInfo() function still relies on the class' public name so I guess I don't understand what the point of this was: $this->common_name = $name;

fish.php 
<?php 

class Fish {
  public $common_name = '';
  public $flavor = '';
  public $record_weight = '';

  function __construct($name, $flavor, $record) {
    $this->common_name = $name;
    $this->flavor = $flavor;
    $this->record_weight = $record;
  }

  public function getInfo() {
    return "A " . $this->common_name . " is an " . $this->flavor . " flavored fish. " . "The world record weight is " . $this->record_weight . ".";
  }

}

$bass = new Fish("Largemouth Bass","Excellent","22 pounds 5 ounces");

?>

1 Answer

Shawn Gregory
Shawn Gregory
Courses Plus Student 40,672 Points

Pratham,

The constructor is actually being used. It is used every time you instantiate the class. You are using the constructor to input the values you are going to use later on using the getInfo() function. Constructors are there to perform actions whenever the class gets instantiated while a destructor is used when the class is destroyed (or when the script finishes). Remember from the video and the challenges that you are adding information when you first use the class. The constructor is being called and storing the information you provided it into the member variables.

As for the reason why you would use the constructor to store the information, there will be times when you will want the members to be private or protected and therefor you would be unable to add values from outside the class. You would use methods to add the values to the class. Finally, this way is simply cleaner code that you do not have to type. Plus since this is a simple class in a simple example, this method would be recommended. I hope this clears things up.

Cheers!