__construct is a class constructor in PHP, not a normal function, it is automatically executed when creating an object. It is used to initialize object properties or set dependencies, does not require manual calls, can accept parameters, and replaces the construction method of the same name class in PHP4. For example, class User { public function __construct() { echo "User created!"; } } Automatically output information when creating an object. The difference between __construct and ordinary functions is that they are automatically executed, cannot be called manually, used for initialization, and have no return value. In addition, it can take parameters, such as class Product { private $name; public function __construct($name) { $this->name = $name; } }, and pass parameters when creating an object. Finally, it replaces PHP4's constructor, such as function User() in the User class. In short, __construct is a constructor of the PHP class, which is automatically run as a special method when the object is instantiated.
Yes, __construct
is related to a function in PHP, but it's not exactly a regular function—it's a magic method used as a constructor in PHP classes.

What is __construct
in PHP?
In PHP, when you create a new object from a class, PHP automatically looks for a method called __construct
inside that class. If it exists, PHP runs that method right after the object is created. This makes __construct
the standard way to set up initial logic or dependencies for an object.
For example:

class User { public function __construct() { echo "User created!"; } } $user = new User(); // Output: User created!
Even though __construct
is a method (a function inside a class), you don't call it directly like a normal function. It's invoked automatically by PHP when the object is instantiated.
How is __construct
different from a regular function?
Here are a few key differences:

- ? Automatic execution : Unlike normal functions,
__construct
runs automatically when an object is created. - ? Not manually called : You don't call
__construct()
like you would a regular method, eg,$object->__construct()
. - ? Used for setup : It's typically used to initialize properties or prepare the object for use.
- ? No return type needed : It doesn't return anything—it's meant for setup, not computing.
Can __construct
take arguments?
Yes, it can accept arguments just like a normal function. These are passed during object creation.
Example:
class Product { private $name; public function __construct($name) { $this->name = $name; } } $book = new Product("PHP Basics"); // $name is passed here
So, you can write a constructor with parameters, and you must provide those values when creating an object, unless you set default values in the method definition.
How does it compare to older PHP4-style constructors?
Before PHP5, a constructor was simply a method with the same name as the class:
class User { public function User() { // PHP4-style constructor // code } }
This is outdated and deprecated in PHP5 and later. Using __construct
is the modern and preferred way.
Summary
-
__construct
is a magic method , not a standalone function. - It acts as the constructor for a PHP class.
- It runs automatically when an object is created.
- You can pass arguments to it.
- It replaces the old PHP4-style constructor.
So yes, while it's technically a method (not a global function), in PHP terms, it's often referred to as being a special kind of function—especially in casual conversation or tutorials.
Basically that's it.
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