Using properties or parms

[patrick24601]

If I want to pass data to a class method I can do it one of two ways:

 

$result = $cls1->updateit($id, $name,$address);

 

or

 

$cls1->id = 100;

$cls1->name = "me";

$cls1->address = "mine";

$result = $cls1->updateit();

 

Which is preferred and why?

 

Thanks,

Patrick

 

[rhodesa]

I prefer the first method. That way you can do error checking on the values (like making sure ID is a valid number) before actually modifying the properties of the object.

[patrick24601]

Can't you validate using either one? I don't see how come with the 2nd one you would not be able to.

 

Thanks,

Patrick

 

[rhodesa]

I guess...but what if it doesn't validate? The old value is gone and can't be brought back.

 

...the first option is also less code

 

furthermore...i rarely ever have public properties inside my classes. all access to the data (read and write) goes through a function. that way, later on, if I want to change how it is read/written (maybe use title instead of name), i just modify the class instead of all the code using it