what is the difference between $object::$variable and $object->variable

Question

what is the difference between $object::$variable and $object->variable

both of them can be used to achieve the same but creates difference when the class member-variable is static as follows-

$object::$variable :- This syntax allows the static variable to be achieved through the object

But

$object->variable :- This syntax does not allow the static variable to be achieved through the object.

What is the semantic difference between the two?

A static property can be accessed without actual instance of the object — Royal Bg, Sep 10 '13 at 08:54
Instance properties vs. class properties. Two very different things. Read more about them. — deceze, Sep 10 '13 at 08:54
Did you read the [manual](http://php.net/manual/en/language.oop5.static.php)? — Alma Do, Sep 10 '13 at 08:54

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Sep 10 '13 at 08:55

$object::$variable and $object->variable

above both are are valid for accessing class property.

Only difference is that $object::$variable is used for access static property where as $object->variable is used for accessing property of class from instance.

For more words refer Amal Murali commented question link.

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 10 '13 at 08:54

0

With $object::$variable you refer to the $variable of the class, $object->variable refers to the $variable of a instance of this class.

answered Sep 10 '13 at 08:54

Charlie Vieillard

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what is the difference between $object::$variable and $object->variable

2 Answers2