How can method chaining be utilized in PHP classes, and what are the benefits?

Method chaining in PHP classes allows you to call multiple methods on an object in a single line, by having each method return the object itself. This can lead to more concise and readable code, as well as reducing the need for temporary variables. To enable method chaining, each method should return `$this` at the end. 

class MyClass {
    private $value;

    public function setValue($value) {
        $this->value = $value;
        return $this;
    }

    public function addValue($value) {
        $this->value += $value;
        return $this;
    }

    public function getValue() {
        return $this->value;
    }
}

$obj = new MyClass();
$result = $obj->setValue(5)->addValue(3)->getValue();
echo $result; // Output: 8

Keywords

method chaining PHP classes benefits object-oriented programming fluent interface

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