Why can't I overload constructors in PHP?

Question

I have abandoned all hope of ever being able to overload my constructors in PHP, so what I\'d really like to know is why.

Is there even a reason for it? Doe

Answer 1

PHP Manual: Function Arguments, Default Values

I have overcome this simply by using default values for function parameters. In __constuct, list the required parameters first. List the optional parameters after that in the general form $param = null.

class User
{
    private $db;
    private $userInput;

    public function __construct(Database $db, array $userInput = null)
    {
        $this->db = $db;
        $this->userInput = $userInput;
    }
}

This can be instantiated as:

$user = new User($db)

or

$user = new User($db, $inputArray);

This is not a perfect solution, but I have made this work by separating parameters into absolutely mandatory parameters no matter when the object is constructed, and, as a group, optional parameters listed in order of importance.

It works.