Method chain is an object-oriented programming technique that allows developers to call multiple methods in a single line of code by returning the object itself ($this) in each method. 1. It improves the readability and simplicity of the code and reduces redundant code; 2. It needs to ensure that each method returns $this when implementing it; 3. It is often used for smooth interfaces, builder patterns and verification processes; 4. It is not recommended that all methods return $this, only methods expected to be used for chain calls; 5. You can choose to return different types of instances to implement more complex chain logic, such as creating and configuring objects through static factory methods.

Method chaining is a technique in object-oriented programming where multiple methods can be called on the same object in a single line of code. Instead of calling each method separately and possibly reassigning the object or result, you simply return the object itself from each method, allowing further calls to be "chained" together.

This approach keeps your code concise and readable, especially when working with fluent interfaces or build patterns.

Why Use Method Chaining?

The main benefit of method chaining is improved code readingability and confidence . It allows developers to perform several operations on an object without writing repetitive lines of code.

For example, instead of doing this:

 $user = new User();
$user->setName('John');
$user->setEmail('john@example.com');
$user->setAge(30);

You could write it like this using method chaining:

 $user = new User();
$user->setName('John')->setEmail('john@example.com')->setAge(30);

This makes the intent clearer and reduces boilerplate code.

How to Implement Method Chaining in PHP

To implement method chaining, each method in your class must return the instance of the object ( $this ). That way, after one method finishes execution, another method can be called immediately on the same object.

Here's a basic example:

 class User {
    private $name;
    private $email;
    private $age;

    public function setName($name) {
        $this->name = $name;
        return $this; // Return the object for chaining
    }

    public function setEmail($email) {
        $this->email = $email;
        return $this;
    }

    public function setAge($age) {
        $this->age = $age;
        return $this;
    }

    public function getInfo() {
        return "Name: {$this->name}, Email: {$this->email}, Age: {$this->age}";
    }
}

Now you can chain the method calls like this:

 $user = new User();
echo $user->setName('John')->setEmail('john@example.com')->setAge(30)->getInfo();

Each setter returns $this , so you can keep calling more methods on the same object.

Common Use Cases and Tips

• Fluent interfaces : Many libraries (like query builders or configuration classes) use method chaining to offer a clean API.
• Validation or filtering flows : You might chain validation rules or filters on data.
• Builder pattern : Useful when constructing complex objects step-by-step.

A few tips:

• Make sure not all methods should return $this . Only those intended for chaining should do that.
• If a method needs to return a different value (like getInfo() ), don't force chaining on it — it breaks expectations.
• Be consistent in naming and behavior to avoid confusion.

Optional: Returning Different Types for Advanced Chaining

Sometimes, you may want to return a different type depending on the method. For example, a factory method might return a new instance instead of $this :

 public static function create() {
    return new self();
}

Then you can start chaining from the static call:

 User::create()->setName('Jane')->setAge(25);

This is common in ORMs or fluent APIs where you want to both instantiate and configure an object in one go.

That's basically how method chaining works in PHP. It's not complicated, but it does require thoughtful design to make sure your object's interface feels natural and easy to work with.

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