1.2.9. ::class

PHP has a special class constant to hold the name of the class : class keyword. It represents the class name that is used in the left part of the operator.

Using \:\:class is safer than relying on a string. It does adapt if the class’s name or its namespace is changed’. It is also faster, though it is a micro-optimisation.

It is introduced in PHP 5.5. Be aware that \:\:class is a replacement for __CLASS__ magic constant.

<?php

use A\B\C as UsedName;

class foo {
    public function bar( ) {
        echo ClassName::class;
        echo UsedName::class;
    }
}

$f = new Foo( );
$f->bar( );
// displays ClassName
// displays A\B\C

?>

See also Class Constant.

1.2.9.1. Suggestions

• Use ::class whenever possible. That exclude any dynamic call.

1.2.9.2. Specs

Short name	Php/StaticclassUsage
Rulesets	All, CompatibilityPHP53, CompatibilityPHP54
Exakat since	0.8.4
PHP Version	With PHP 5.5 and more recent
Severity	Major
Time To Fix	Slow (1 hour)
Precision	Very high
Features	coalesce
Available in	Entreprise Edition, Exakat Cloud