PHP namespace

Updated April 18, 2023

Introduction to PHP namespace

Namespaces in PHP is similar to namespaces in C++ that encapsulates items by reusing names in order to avoid name conflicts. It is also viewed as an abstract concept in many situations. It permits in re-declaration of the same classes or interface or functions or constant functions in a distinct namespace without receiving the fatal error. This namespace is a code block that is labeled hierarchically that holds a normal PHP code. It consists of a PHP code which is valid. Moreover, it affects code types such as classes, functions, constants, and interfaces. A namespace is declared using the keyword namespace.

Syntax:

namespace sample;

Here, a namespace sample is declared.

Similar to other PHP identifiers, the namespace should also follow some rules. That is, a namespace should begin with an underscore or letter, followed by letters, underscores, or numbers.

How does namespace work in PHP?

Let us imagine a namespace as a cupboard where we can keep all items such as dresses, accessories, etc. For each person, there will be a separate cupboard which can store their items. In order to identify each person’s cupboard, a label can be given to each of them so that any confusion won’t occur. In the past, programmers separated code bases using underscores in the constants, classes, and functions. It is similar to labeling everyone’s items and keeping them in a big cupboard. Even though it is organized, efficiency won’t be higher.

In this situation, the namespace concept appears. The same class, interface, function, and constant can be declared in different namespaces without any fatal errors. Basically, the namespace is a code block which is hierarchically labeled that holds a normal PHP code.

As we have already mentioned, namespaces in PHP encapsulate items by reusing names to avoid name conflicts.

For example, consider a PHP program as mentioned below.

Code:

<?php
namespace sample ;
function func()
{
echo ' Never give up! Keep trying . . . ' ;
}
// Resolves to the function
func() ;
?>

It can be seen that a function func is present, and it prints a text on executing the code.

As the PHP code library size increases, there is a chance of unintentionally reusing a class name or function which is already declared. The issue is exacerbated if third-party components and plugins are added. Moreover, name collision issues can be solved with the help of namespaces. PHP constants, functions, and classes can be gathered together into namespace libraries. These namespaces can follow a specific hierarchy, similar to the folders available in the file system on the computer. The concept, Sub-namespaces, is very useful for arranging the project structure. If the project needs database access, all the codes related to the database, like exceptions of a database, connection handlers, can be kept in a sub-namespace called DB.

For maintaining the flexibility, it is better to save sub-namespaces in sub directories. This inspires project structuring as well as makes it easy to use auto-loaders that follow the standard PSR-0.

Normally, a backslash will be used in PHP as a namespace separator.

Sample\Sub Sample
Sample\SubSample\Samp
College\Proj\Common\Widget

In the cases where a declaration of namespace is done globally, it can be declared without using any name, as shown below.

Code:

<?php
namespace {
// Global . . . !
}
?>

In some cases, multiple namespaces can be used within one PHP code, as shown below.

Code:

<?php
namespace sam {
}
namespace samp {
}
namespace {
}
?>

<?php
echo "Never Give up ! " ;
namespace Html ;
. . .
?>

<?php
namespace sample;
function func()
{
echo 'Never give up! Keep trying. . .';
}
// Resolves to the function
func();
// Explicitly resolves to the function
namespace\func();
?>

<?php
function func()
{
echo 'Never give up! Keep trying. . .';
}
// Resolves to the function
func();
namespace sample;
// Explicitly resolves to the function
namespace\func();
?>

<?php
namespace Html;
class sampletable {
public $heading= "";
public $cntrows= 0;
public function fnc() {
echo "<p> The Table used is '{$this->heading}' that has {$this->cntrows} different rows. . . .</p>";
}
}
$tb= new sampletable ();
$tb->heading= " Students ";
$tb->cntrows= 8 ;
?>
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<body>
<?php
$tb->fnc();
?>
</body>
</html>