Why return object instead of array?

Question

I do a lot of work in WordPress, and I've noticed that far more functions return objects than arrays. Database results are returned as objects unless you specifically ask for an array. Errors are returned as objects. Outside of WordPress, most APIs give you an object instead of an array.

My question is, why do they use objects instead of arrays? For the most part it doesn't matter too much, but in some cases I find objects harder to not only process but to wrap my head around. Is there a performance reason for using an object?

I'm a self-taught PHP programmer. I've got a liberal arts degree. So forgive me if I'm missing a fundamental aspect of computer science. ;)

Answer 1

These are the reasons why I prefer objects in general:

• Objects not only contain data but also functionality.
• Objects have (in most cases) a predefined structure. This is very useful for API design. Furthermore, you can set properties as public, protected, or private.
• objects better fit object oriented development.
• In most IDE's auto-completion only works for objects.

Here is something to read:

• Object Vs. Array in PHP
• PHP stdClass: Storing Data in an Object Instead of an Array
• When should I use stdClass and when should I use an array in php5 oo code
• PHP Objects vs Arrays
• Mysql results in PHP - arrays or objects?
• PHP objects vs arrays performance myth
• A Set of Objects in PHP: Arrays vs. SplObjectStorage
• Better Object-Oriented Arrays