Exporting Properties

By Tim Macdonald

<?php

class MyList
{
    private $list = [];

    function &getList()
    {
        return $this->list;
    }

    function add($item)
    {
        $this->list[] = $item;
    }
}

$list = new MyList;
$list->add(1);
$list->add(2);

$arr = &$list->getList();

$arr[] = 3;
$arr[] = 4;

dd($list->getList());

// array:4 [
//   0 => 1
//   1 => 2
//   2 => 3
//   3 => 4
// ]

With an accessor and a reference, it is possible to export a private property and manipulate it from the outside of the object.

This is not recommended, as it exposes data that is supposed to be protected by its visibility.

See Also

• Original Tweet)
• Export properties [Try me]

PHP Features

• reference
• visibility
• property

Last updated: 10 September 2026