How is the -> symbol used

[ggalan]

can anyone explain how to use the -> symbol as in:

<?php $this->lblLogout->Render(); ?>

[Nile]

The -> characters are used for accessing objects.

<?php
class Write {
  function sayHi(){
    echo "Hello";
  }
}
$var = new Write();
$var->sayHi();
?>

[boogyman]

The -> characters are used for accessing objects.

more specifically they are to initiate a method.

class YOURCLASS 
{
     public function FUNC()
     {
          /* something */
     }
     public function FTN($tring, $arr)
     {
          /* something else*/
     }
}

$var = new YOURCLASS();
$var->FUNC(); /* initiate the FUNC method of the YOURCLASS class */

$var->FTN('a1', ['z','y','w']); 

[Rockonmetal]

okay, i also was about to ask this question but i saw it was already asked... would this be an appropriate use of it:

function hi($name){
echo $name;
}
"hello"->hi(); 

?

[Nile]

No... The symbol is only used for classes(or OOP).

[mitchel456]

The "->" in PHP is used to access properties and functions of an object. To use it, you'll need an object to use it on, like this:

Create a class (a blueprint for an object):

class helloObject {
  public function hi($name) {
    echo "Hello " . $name;
  }
} 

You can save this as a separate file, called helloObject.php. Then, in the script you want to use it in, first create an instance of your object with the "new" operator, and call the function you've defined in helloObject.php, passing it the name you want printed as a parameter:

$object = new helloObject();
$object->hi("Joe"); 

This will produce the output:

Hello Joe

ggalan, the code you posted is saying that the variable $this has an object called lblLogout as one of its properties, and this object in turn has a function called Render() - this line calls that function.

[sumonrn]

Thank you guys. This really clears the idea of oop in php.

Now, folks I just want to know how do you pronounce it. You know while working in a team some times you need to read your code. So, is there any standard pronunciation for the symbol " -> "?

[traq]

I just say "arrow." But then, I don't talk about it much (aloud) with other programmers. Of course, I also say "S - Q - L" instead of "sequel."

[sumonrn]

I just say "arrow." But then, I don't talk about it much (aloud) with other programmers. Of course, I also say "S - Q - L" instead of "sequel."

Looks like you just wanted to submit a link! I asked "standard pronunciation". Spam!

[Nile]

"Submit a Link," what does that mean? He gave you an anwer, the link in his signature is his signature, it shows up every time he posts.

I usually say "This variable accesses this class, and returns blah blah blah..." I don't think that there is a standard way to say it.