Although the functionality provided by ZE1 / PHP4 classes is limited at best, they do have the advantage of being compatible with the widely installed PHP4 base currently in production. The simple techniques covered in this chapter will allow you to write functional, versatile code that compiles and runs today and will continue working tomorrow.
In the next chapter, you'll find out what the buzz surrounding PHP5 is really about and why, if you want OOP functionality, you'll find a reason to upgrade and never look back.
The PHP Life Cycle
Variables from the Inside Out
Memory Management
Setting Up a Build Environment
Your First Extension
Returning Values
Accepting Parameters
Working with Arrays and HashTables
The Resource Data Type
PHP4 Objects
PHP5 Objects
Startup, Shutdown, and a Few Points in Between
INI Settings
Accessing Streams
Implementing Streams
Diverting the Stream
Configuration and Linking
Extension Generators
Setting Up a Host Environment
Advanced Embedding
Appendix A. A Zend API Reference
Appendix B. PHPAPI
Appendix C. Extending and Embedding Cookbook
Appendix D. Additional Resources