Why 'Array()' and not 'new Array()' in PHP?

Question

Other objects in PHP are instantiated using the new qualifier such as new Date(), etc. How come you do not supply the new qualfier with Array() when instantiating a new array in PHP?

$array = new Array(); //blows up
$array = Array();     //works as intended

$reflect = new ReflectionClass($this);   //works as intended
$reflect = ReflectionClass($this);       //blows up

Can arrays be created using Array()(using upper case)? The manual says array()(using lower case) — Abdulaziz
– Abdulaziz, Commented Aug 13, 2012 at 3:40
@PauloFreitas It actually works, I just tried it, I'm impressed. — Abdulaziz
– Abdulaziz, Commented Aug 13, 2012 at 3:48
@AzizAG I'm not sure if "impressed" is the correct word for this .. (perhaps "surprised"?) — user166390
– user166390, Commented Aug 13, 2012 at 3:49

Musa · Accepted Answer · 2012-08-13 03:40:13Z

4

Array is a language construct not a class so you cant use new to instantiate an Array object.

answered Aug 13, 2012 at 3:40

Musa

97.9k17 gold badges123 silver badges144 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

Ignacio Vazquez-Abrams · Accepted Answer · 2012-08-13 03:39:42Z

2

Because array is syntax, not a class. Same as with list, echo, and a few others.

answered Aug 13, 2012 at 3:39

Ignacio Vazquez-Abrams

804k160 gold badges1.4k silver badges1.4k bronze badges

Comments

khaverim · Accepted Answer · 2012-08-13 03:49:09Z

2

Unless you create the "Array" class, it will 'blow up' because PHP doesn't have a built-in Array class.

Array is not a class, but rather a function.

For the same reason you can't do

$myvar = new print('hello');

That would be crazy, no? print(), like array(), is a function built into PHP, not a class.

answered Aug 13, 2012 at 3:49

khaverim

3,5846 gold badges38 silver badges48 bronze badges

1 Comment

Tyler Over a year ago

My object oriented brain wouldn't conceive that array() is a function

Hawili · Accepted Answer · 2012-08-13 03:42:28Z

1

Array was in php before even object oriented ways was introduced in it

Think of it as C language array which can still be used in C++ :)

answered Aug 13, 2012 at 3:42

Hawili

1,65911 silver badges15 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Why 'Array()' and not 'new Array()' in PHP?

4 Answers 4

Comments

Comments

1 Comment

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

4 Answers 4

Comments

Comments

1 Comment

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related