How do you add abstract class library in the Codeigniter framework?

Question

I have the following code in file called AbstractClass.php in the libraries folder

abstract class AbstractClass {
  abstract prote         


        

Answer 1

I use abstract classes with CodeIgniter libraries because I have common methods which I want all inherited classes to use which are meaningless on their own. I don't know if what I'm about to suggest is best practise. I suspect it's not, but I personally find it useful. Here's how I do it:

1. Create a new classes folder in the CodeIgniter application folder.

2. Add this folder to the path. (I usually do this in the controller.)

   if (!strstr(get_include_path(), APPPATH . 'classes')) {
       ini_set('include_path', get_include_path() . ':' . APPPATH . 'classes');
   }
   

3. Create the abstract classes, or other classes, in the classes folder.

4. Create an extended CodeIgniter library:

   require_once('an_abstract_class.php');
   class concrete_library extends an_abstract_class {
   

5. Use the library as normal:

   $this->load->library('concrete_library');
   

That should do the trick. I hope this is useful.