loading a class page but not instantiating it - does it use memory?

[c_shelswell]

Hi - I'm not sure if subject of this is really correct. What I mean is if I take one file and fill it full of all my:

require('./class_user.php');
require('./class_session.php');

 

but don't actually call that class is this going to slow things down and use more memory or is the file effectively not read until i use $user = new user; and instantiate the class?

 

Before i've just included the class at the top of the page that needs it just wondering if that's the best way

 

Cheers

[Mchl]

The class is declared, it's static properties and methods are available, so yes it will consume both time and memory.

 

See here for autoloading classes on need: http://php.net/manual/en/language.oop5.autoload.php

[c_shelswell]

ah right so autoload only loads the class when I instantiate it? great. Thanks

[Mchl]

That's right.

Or when you access class' static properties/methods for the first time.

[c_shelswell]

nice one - thanks for your help