Hey internals,
Is there any particular reason as to why constants cannot be typed? For example:
```
class Test {
// this is illegal
public const int TEST = 1;
}
```
Having typed constants would be quite beneficial. First of all, we
would obviously be more consistent with properties and functions ;)
But also, we could ensure that the correct type is retained during
inheritance. For example:
```
class Test {
public const TEST = 0;
}
class Test2 extends Test {
// this is legal (even though the type is different)
public const TEST = 'abc';
}
```
...but with typed constants, this would be possible:
```
class Test {
// this is legal
public const int TEST = 0;
}
class Test2 extends Test {
// this is illegal since the type is not declared
public const TEST = 'abc';
}
class Test3 extends Test {
// this is illegal since the type is not an integer
public const string TEST = 'abc';
}
class Test4 extends Test {
// this is illegal since the value is not an integer
public const int TEST = 'abc';
}
class Test5 extends Test {
// this is legal
public const int TEST = 1;
}
```
Moreover, even the PHP manual (e. g.
https://www.php.net/manual/en/class.reflectionclass.php) and numerous
RFCs (e. g. https://wiki.php.net/rfc/attribute_amendments) specify the
type for constants. This may confuse newcomers since that is actually
not allowed in PHP.
I am prepared to do all of the hard work and implement this myself, if
other internals also find this proposal a good idea.
Best regards,
Benas Seliuginas
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