How Can I Access Properties with Invalid Names in PHP?

Accessing Properties with Invalid Names in PHP

Accessing properties with unconventional or invalid names can pose a challenge in PHP. One such scenario arises when working with objects defined externally, where property names conform to a third-party API's specifications.

The Invalid Property Name Issue

Consider the following code:

$insertArray = array();
$insertArray[0] = new stdclass();
$insertArray[0]->Name = $name;
$insertArray[0]->PhoneNumber = $phone;

This code assigns values to properties named "Name" and "PhoneNumber" of the stdClass object in the insertArray. However, if the external service defines a property with an invalid name, such as "First.Name," using dot syntax (e.g., $insertArray[0]->First.Name) will result in a syntax error.

Solution: Complex (Curly) Syntax

PHP provides a solution through complex (curly) syntax, which allows accessing properties with non-standard names. Instead of using dot syntax, enclose the property name in curly braces:

$insertArray[0]->{"First.Name"} = $firstname;

This syntax enables access to properties with invalid names or characters that would otherwise cause syntax errors. The curly braces act as a delimiter, allowing you to specify the property name exactly as defined by the external service.

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