Are there any best practices for determining when to use "self::method" versus "static::method" in PHP classes?

When deciding between using "self::method" and "static::method" in PHP classes, it is important to understand the difference between the two. "self::method" refers to the current class context, while "static::method" refers to the class context where the method is called. If you want to ensure that the method is called within the current class context, use "self::method". If you want to allow for method overriding in child classes, use "static::method". It is generally recommended to use "static::method" when working with inheritance and polymorphism. 

class ParentClass {
    public static function method() {
        return "ParentClass method called";
    }
}

class ChildClass extends ParentClass {
    public static function method() {
        return "ChildClass method called";
    }

    public static function callParentMethod() {
        return parent::method();
    }

    public static function callSelfMethod() {
        return self::method();
    }

    public static function callStaticMethod() {
        return static::method();
    }
}

echo ChildClass::callParentMethod(); // Output: ParentClass method called
echo ChildClass::callSelfMethod(); // Output: ParentClass method called
echo ChildClass::callStaticMethod(); // Output: ChildClass method called

Keywords

PHP classes self::method static::method inheritance

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