PHP ReflectionExtension::getClassNames() Method: Usage and Examples

When building tools that inspect PHP code, ReflectionExtension::getClassNames() helps answer a focused question: returns names of classes registered by the extension.

Reflection is useful in framework tooling, dependency injection, testing, code inspection and debugging.

What Is ReflectionExtension::getClassNames()?

Returns names of classes registered by the extension.

Its method signature is:

public function getClassNames(): array

This method has no required arguments.

Return value: array

Example 1: Inspect a loaded extension

Start with a self-contained PHP declaration and inspect the method result.

<?php

declare(strict_types=1);

$extensionReflection = new ReflectionExtension("json");

$result = $extensionReflection->getClassNames();
echo count($result);

Output:

2

Explanation: Returns names of classes registered by the extension.

Example 2: Compare extension metadata

Next, change the reflected declaration or parameter to observe a related situation.

<?php

declare(strict_types=1);

$extensionReflection = new ReflectionExtension("date");

$result = $extensionReflection->getClassNames();
echo count($result);

// Check the returned value type before using the result.
echo "\nResult type: " . get_debug_type($result);

Output:

15
Result type: array

Explanation: The result is an array of strings, not ReflectionClass instances.

Practical Example: Use extension information for diagnostics

This final case shows how the same API can be used when inspecting application definitions.

<?php

declare(strict_types=1);

$extensionReflection = new ReflectionExtension("standard");

$result = $extensionReflection->getClassNames();
echo count($result);

// Use the reflection result in a simple decision.
if (is_bool($result)) {
    echo "\nStatus: " . ($result ? "yes" : "no");
} elseif (is_array($result)) {
    echo "\nEntries: " . count($result);
} elseif ($result === null) {
    echo "\nNo value returned";
} else {
    echo "\nReflection result available";
}

Output:

6
Entries: 6

Explanation: getClasses provides full reflection metadata for each class.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

• The result is an array of strings, not ReflectionClass instances.
• getClasses provides full reflection metadata for each class.
• Reflection describes declarations and runtime state; requesting metadata does not automatically validate or sanitize application input.

Comparison With Related Approaches

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Returns names of classes registered by the extension.
• The result is an array of strings, not ReflectionClass instances.
• getClasses provides full reflection metadata for each class.

Use ReflectionExtension::getClassNames() when you need the precise metadata or behavior demonstrated above. Keep the target declaration and relevant PHP version in mind when adapting the examples.