1.2.1251. Undefined Properties

List of properties that are not explicitly defined in the class, its parents or traits.

It is possible to spot unidentified properties by using the PHP’s magic methods __get and __set. Even if the class doesn’t use magic methods, any call to an undefined property will be directed to those methods, and they can be used as a canary, warning that the code is missing a definition.

In PHP 8.2, undefined properties are reported as deprecated. They will become a Fatal Error in PHP 9.0.

<?php

class foo {
    // property definition
    private bar = 2;

    function foofoo() {
        // $this->bar is defined in the class
        // $this->barbar is NOT defined in the class
        return $this->bar + $this->barbar;
    }
}

?>

See also Properties.

1.2.1251.1. Suggestions

• Add an explicit property definition, and give it null as a default value : this way, it behaves the same as undefined.

• Rename the property to one that exists already.

1.2.1251.2. Specs

Short name	Classes/UndefinedProperty
Rulesets	All, Analyze, CE, CI-checks, Changed Behavior, CompatibilityPHP82
Exakat since	0.8.4
PHP Version	All
Severity	Major
Time To Fix	Quick (30 mins)
Changed Behavior	PHP 8.2 - More
Precision	Very high
Features	property
ClearPHP	no-undefined-properties
Examples	WordPress, MediaWiki
Related rule	Checks Property Existence
Available in	Entreprise Edition, Community Edition, Exakat Cloud