When to use self over $this?

Question

In PHP 5, what is the difference between using self and $this?

When is each appropriate?

Answer 1

From this blog post:

• self refers to the current class
• self can be used to call static functions and reference static member variables
• self can be used inside static functions
• self can also turn off polymorphic behavior by bypassing the vtable
• $this refers to the current object
• $this can be used to call static functions
• $this should not be used to call static member variables. Use self instead.
• $this can not be used inside static functions