In PHP, using strings to represent data is common, but it has its downsides. Typos, lack of context, and maintenance issues can make strings tricky to work with, especially as your codebase grows. Luckily, PHP 8.1 introduced Enums, a feature that can help solve these problems. Let’s look at why switching from strings to Enums can improve your code and make it easier to work with.
Why to Use It
In the following lines, you’ll find six reasons why using PHP Enums over strings can benefit your codebase and make development smoother.
1. Stronger Type Safety
When you use strings, it’s easy to make mistakes, like misspelling a word. Let’s say you’re handling order statuses:
$orderStatus = 'pendinng'; // Oops, typo here!
With Enums, PHP won’t allow this kind of error because each Enum has predefined values. Here’s how it works with an Enum:
enum OrderStatus: string {
case PENDING = 'pending';
case PROCESSING = 'processing';
case COMPLETED = 'completed';
case CANCELED = 'canceled';
}
$orderStatus = OrderStatus::PENDING;
If you try to use an incorrect value, PHP will throw an error, catching typos and other mistakes before they cause problems in your code.
2. Clearer Code
Strings don’t give much context, so it’s often unclear what values are allowed. Enums, on the other hand, make it obvious which values you can use. Here’s an example:
// Using a string
function updateOrderStatus(string $status) { /* ... */ }
// Using an Enum
function updateOrderStatus(OrderStatus $status) { /* ... */ }
With the Enum version, it’s clear that OrderStatus has specific values, making the code easier to understand. This helps both you and others who may work on the code later.
3. Better Support from Your IDE
Most modern IDEs (like VS Code or PHPStorm) offer better support for Enums. For example, when you start typing OrderStatus::, your IDE can show you a list of all possible values for that Enum.
Enums also make refactoring easier. If you need to change a status value, you can just update it in the Enum definition, and the whole code will automatically use the new value. With strings, you’d have to search and replace every instance, which is more error-prone.
4. Avoiding “Magic Strings”
“Magic strings” are strings that carry special meaning in your code, often without any documentation. They’re risky because they’re scattered throughout the code and can be easily misused. With Enums, you can centralize these values, making the code more meaningful and consistent. For example:
// With magic strings
if ($orderStatus === 'completed') {
// Do something
}
// With Enums
if ($orderStatus === OrderStatus::COMPLETED) {
// Do something
}
Enums make it clear that COMPLETED is not just any string but a specific status in OrderStatus.
5. Simplifying Data Validation
With Enums, you don’t have to worry about accidental or incorrect values being passed around. Since each Enum has a set of allowed values, PHP can automatically validate it for you.
For example, if you’re sending an order status to an API, Enums ensure that only valid statuses get sent:
function sendOrderStatus(OrderStatus $status) {
// Automatically limited to predefined statuses
}
This makes your code safer and reduces the need for additional error checks.
6. Adding Methods to Enums
PHP Enums can also include methods, which lets you add related functionality directly to the Enum. For example, if you have an Enum for user roles, you can add a method to check if the user can edit something:
enum OrderStatus: string {
case PENDING = 'pending';
case PROCESSING = 'processing';
case COMPLETED = 'completed';
case CANCELED = 'canceled';
public function getTranslation(): string {
return match($this) {
self::PENDING => __('orders.status.pending'),
self::PROCESSING => __('orders.status.processing'),
self::COMPLETED => __('orders.status.completed'),
self::CANCELED => __('orders.status.canceled')
};
}
}
$orderStatus = OrderStatus::COMPLETED;
<div>
{{ $orderStatus->getTranslation() }}
</div
This keeps related logic in one place, making the code easier to read and manage.
When Should You Use Enums?
Enums are best for cases where you have a set number of options, like statuses, user roles, or categories. They’re not ideal for things that change often or come from user input, like form fields or settings from a database.
Conclusion
Switching from strings to PHP Enums can make your code more reliable, readable, and easier to maintain. Enums prevent typos, reduce bugs, and make the code easier to understand. If you’re working with PHP 8.1 or newer, consider giving Enums a try—you might find that they make your code better in ways you didn’t expect.