Is it possible to overload operators in PHP?

Question

Specifically, I would like to create an Array class and would like to overload the [] operator.

Answer 1

If you are using PHP5 (and you should be), take a look at the SPL ArrayObject classes. The documentation isn't too good, but I think if you extend ArrayObject, you'd have your "fake" array.

EDIT: Here's my quick example; I'm afraid I don't have a valuable use case though:

class a extends ArrayObject {     public function offsetSet($i, $v) {         echo 'appending ' . $v;         parent::offsetSet($i, $v);     } }  $a = new a; $a[] = 1; 

Answer 2

Actually, the optimal solution is to implement the four methods of the ArrayAccess interface: http://php.net/manual/en/class.arrayaccess.php

If you would also like to use your object in the context of 'foreach', you'd have to implement the 'Iterator' interface: http://www.php.net/manual/en/class.iterator.php

Answer 3

PHP's concept of overloading and operators (see Overloading, and Array Operators) is not like C++'s concept. I don't believe it is possible to overload operators such as +, -, [], etc.

Possible Solutions

• Implement SPL ArrayObject (as mentioned by cbeer).
• Implement Iterator (if ArrayObject is too slow for you).
• Use the PECL operator extension (as mentioned by Benson).