Programming Languages Are Authoring Tools for Platforms

[php-src] PR #20903: GH-10497 (const obj->prop write)

A PHP internals mailing list thread discussing RFC const_object_property_write (PR #20903), which proposes allowing property writes on objects referenced by PHP constants. Currently, writing to CONST_OBJ->prop raises a 'Cannot use temporary expression in write context' error even though the operation mutates the object, not the constant binding. The RFC has evolved through multiple versions: v0.1 included array/dim writes (which were controversial due to silent no-op behavior), v0.2 scoped out array writes to focus only on object property writes, and v0.3 extended coverage to class constants in addition to global constants. A notable edge case is that enum cases are class constants, so writes to readonly enum case properties now raise a runtime readonly-property Error instead of a compile-time error. The RFC targets PHP 8.6 and requires a 2/3 majority vote.

[RFC] Primary Constructors

A PHP internals mailing list thread discussing a proposed RFC for Primary Constructors in PHP. The RFC proposes a new syntax allowing class properties and constructor parameters to be declared at the top of the class definition, similar to Kotlin or C# primary constructors. Key debate points include: whether primary constructor bodies should be supported (the RFC excludes them), compatibility with readonly classes and property hooks, anonymous class support (deferred to future scope), and whether the limited scope of the feature justifies adding new syntax. The RFC author argues 30-70% of real-world PHP classes could benefit even without bodies, while critics argue the feature is too restricted to be worth the added complexity.

Class Extension

A PHP internals mailing list thread where Holly Schilling proposes adding class extensions to PHP, inspired by Swift's extension syntax, implemented in a 2-phase approach. Michael Morris questions the value of the feature, arguing that PHP's existing inheritance and traits already cover what Swift-style extensions provide.

[Pre-RFC] Scalar object methods (with a working implementation)

A pre-RFC discussion on the PHP internals mailing list proposes allowing method calls directly on scalar values (e.g. $str->trim(), (3)->pow(2)). The approach dispatches only on receivers the compiler can syntactically guarantee are scalar at compile time, rewriting the call to an ordinary static call into an internal backing class — adding zero new opcodes and leaving untyped code unchanged. The proposal includes two separable votes: scalar methods on guaranteed receivers, and scalar-typed local variables. A working implementation on PHP 8.6-dev is provided with performance benchmarks, JIT correctness verification, and a BC scan of 173k+ Packagist files showing zero breaking changes. Objections raised include: the compile-time-only guarantee covers very little real-world code due to PHP's single-file compilation model (cross-file autoloaded classes won't qualify), tooling/static-analyser disagreement with the compiler, and the broader concern that coexisting procedural and method-call forms add complexity without replacing anything.

[RFC] Case sensitive PHP

A PHP internals mailing list thread discussing a proposed RFC to make PHP fully case-sensitive. Currently, PHP treats function names, class names, and method names case-insensitively (e.g., STRLEN() works the same as strlen()). The RFC author Jorg Sowa proposes deprecating case-insensitive behavior in a current PHP version and promoting it to an error in PHP 9.0. Supporters argue it simplifies the engine, removes the need for identifier normalization passes, benefits static analyzers and LSPs, and aligns PHP with most other languages. Opponents question the practical benefit, raise concerns about PHP's own inconsistent built-in naming conventions (DateTime vs PDO vs mysqli), and worry about breaking dynamic method calls. The RFC author acknowledges the core real-world motivation is autoloading portability across case-sensitive and case-insensitive file systems.

GitHub - jbwinters/jacquard-lang: Jacquard is a small programming language designed for a regime in which most code is written by machine-learning models and reviewed by people.

Jacquard is a small programming language designed for a regime in which most code is written by machine-learning models and reviewed by people. - jbwinters/jacquard-lang

[Pre-RFC] Scalar object methods (with a working implementation)

Đề xuất pre-RFC giới thiệu phương thức đối tượng cho các kiểu vô hướng (scalar) trong PHP, cho phép gọi phương thức trực tiếp trên giá trị như $str->trim() hay (3)->pow(2). Cách tiếp cận này chỉ xử lý các đối tượng chắc chắn là kiểu vô hướng tại thời điểm biên dịch, chuyển đổi thành các lớp nội bộ mà không ảnh hưởng đến hiệu suất. Có hai phần độc lập để bỏ phiếu: phương thức trên kiểu vô hướng đảm bảo và biến cục bộ có kiểu vô hướng. Bản triển khai thử nghiệm trên PHP 8.6-dev cho thấy không có thay đổi phá vỡ trong hơn 173k tệp Packagist.

Lập trình viên nên đọc để hiểu cách PHP 8.6+ có thể mở rộng khả năng gọi phương thức trực tiếp trên giá trị nguyên thủy (scalar) như $x->toUpperCase() mà không cần thay đổi mã nguồn hiện tại, đồng thời đánh giá tác động về hiệu suất và công cụ phân tích static.