PHP Destructor

The __destruct() Function

__destruct() is a special class method that PHP calls automatically when an object is destroyed or when the script ends.

You can think of it as the counterpart of __construct(): one runs as an object begins its life, the other as that life ends.

Once a class has a __destruct() function, PHP will call it for you at the end of the script, with no call needed in your own code.

As with the constructor, the name begins with two underscores (__).

The next example puts both special functions together: __construct() runs when each object is created, and __destruct() runs when the script reaches its end:

Destructor Example

The __destruct() function displays each fruit's details once the script ends:

Write a PHP script that defines a Fruit class with a __construct() function and a __destruct() function. Create two Fruit objects and let the destructor display their details at the end of the script.

> Output: PHP script

Prompt

Write a PHP script that defines a Fruit class with a __construct() function and a __destruct() function. Create two Fruit objects and let the destructor display their details at the end of the script.

Output: PHP script

<?php
class Fruit {
  public $name;
  public $color;

  function __construct($name, $color) {
    $this->name = $name;
    $this->color = $color;
  }

  function __destruct() {
    echo "Name: " . $this->name . ". Color: " . $this->color .".<br>";
  }
}

$apple = new Fruit('Apple', 'Red');
$banana = new Fruit('Banana', 'Yellow');
?>

Useful Tip

Tip: Constructors and destructors are worth using because they cut down on the code you have to write.