PHP WeakReference::create() Method: Usage and Examples

Creates a weak reference to an object without extending its lifetime.

The examples focus on the operation itself, including the important distinction: get tries to obtain the object later.

What It Does

Use the examples below to observe the behavior on a small dataset before extending it to application code.

Syntax and Return Value

WeakReference::create(object $object): WeakReference

The displayed signature describes the API or identifies any correction or optional dependency. When a parameter is optional, supply it only when the task requires it.

Parameters

• object: required.

Declared return type: WeakReference. Read the behavior notes for important cases such as empty collections and destructive iteration.

Example 1: Basic Use

A weak reference does not own the object; the second example releases the only strong reference explicitly.

<?php
$resource = new stdClass();
$resource->name = 'draft';
$ref = WeakReference::create($resource);
echo $ref->get()?->name ?? "collected";

Output from a successful local PHP 8.4 run:

draft

Example 2: Checking Behavior

A weak reference does not own the object; the second example releases the only strong reference explicitly.

<?php
$resource = new stdClass();
$resource->name = 'receipt';
$ref = WeakReference::create($resource);
echo $ref->get()?->name ?? "collected";

Output from a successful local PHP 8.4 run:

receipt

Example 3: Practical Example

A weak reference does not own the object; the second example releases the only strong reference explicitly.

<?php
$resource = new stdClass();
$resource->name = 'cache';
$ref = WeakReference::create($resource);
echo $ref->get()?->name ?? "collected";

Output from a successful local PHP 8.4 run:

cache

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

The referenced object can be collected when no strong reference remains.

Comparison with Related Approaches

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Creates a weak reference to an object without extending its lifetime.
• The referenced object can be collected when no strong reference remains.
• get tries to obtain the object later.

Use WeakReference::create when its documented behavior matches the problem. Test the relevant edge cases in your own runtime before deploying it.