When should I use stdClass and when should I use an array in php oo code?

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The usual approach is

  • Use objects when returning a defined data structure with fixed branches:

     $person
   -> name = "John"
   -> surname = "Miller"
   -> address = "123 Fake St"

  • Use arrays when returning a list:

      "John Miller"
  "Peter Miller"
  "Josh Swanson"
  "Harry Miller"

  • Use an array of objects when returning a list of structured information:

      $person[0]
    -> name = "John"
    -> surname = "Miller"
    -> address = "123 Fake St"

  $person[1]
    -> name = "Peter"
    -> surname = "Miller"
    -> address = "345 High St"

Objects are not suitable to hold lists of data, because you always need a key to address them. Arrays can fulfill both functions – hold arbitrary lists, and a data structure.

Therefore, you can use associative arrays over objects for the first and third examples if you want to. I’d say that’s really just a question of style and preference.

@Deceze makes a number of good points on when to use an object (Validation, type checking and future methods).

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