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¶

Last updated: 16 July 2026