PHP forward_static_call() Function: Usage and Examples

Use forward_static_call() when you need to calls a method with late static binding in a class hierarchy in a PHP application. The examples below show the actual operation and its limitations.

What Is forward_static_call() in PHP?

Calls a method with late static binding in a class hierarchy. The exact signature supported by your installation depends on its PHP version and enabled extensions.

Its syntax is:

forward_static_call(callable $callback, mixed ...$args = ...): mixed

Parameters and return value: The parameter types, optional arguments, references, and return type are shown in the signature above. Optional parameters are marked with an ellipsis in this reference signature.

Example 1: Basic Usage

<?php

class ParentReport { public static function label(): string { return static::class; } public static function run(): string { return forward_static_call([static::class, "label"]); } } class ChildReport extends ParentReport {} echo ChildReport::run();

Output:

ChildReport

Example 2: Different Input or Behavior

<?php

class BaseProcessor { public static function version(): string { return static::class; } public static function dispatch(): string { return forward_static_call([static::class,"version"]); } } class SpecializedProcessor extends BaseProcessor {} echo SpecializedProcessor::dispatch();

Output:

SpecializedProcessor

Practical Example: Applying the Function

<?php

class BaseHandler { public static function type(): string { return static::class; } public static function describe(): string { return forward_static_call([static::class,"type"]); } } class ExportHandler extends BaseHandler {} echo ExportHandler::describe();

Output:

ExportHandler

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

It must be used in a valid class scope where late static binding applies.

Comparison With Related Functions

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Calls a method with late static binding in a class hierarchy.
• It must be used in a valid class scope where late static binding applies.
• forward_static_call_array() receives arguments as an array; forward_static_call() uses separate arguments.

Use forward_static_call() for the specific operation demonstrated above. Check its prerequisites and handle failure conditions before using it with production data.