To add to the below, object classes, can have their own set of functions, called methods. These methods are specific to the function, and ALL functions within a class treat any properties (variables) within the class as global.
So if you have a class "Car" with two properties ("Make" and "Model"), then those two properties can be readily accessible to any method within the class. At least I think that's how it works. I'm not all that knowledgeable on the subject :o) Martin Clifford Homepage: http://www.completesource.net Developer's Forums: http://www.completesource.net/forums/ >>> "Jay Blanchard" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 07/16/02 10:51AM >>> [snip] Could someone please explain the difference between classes and functions and how to use a class. I write alot of PHP, but I never understood this at all. I use an include statement in many of my pages and include a file with a bunch of functions. For instance, I might have a function called stock(); In the page I am using I include the file that has this function and I call it like this: stock($Sym); I am wondering if I am doing it the wrong way. So I need to better understand classes. What is one, and why would you use it? [/snip] A class is the representation of an object, such as a person, place, or thing. A function is a group of commands that can be called for a specific purpose. function addNumbers() A function can be performed on an object, but an object (the logical extension of class) cannot be performed on a function. Does that help? Jay "Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult" ************************************* * Want to meet other PHP developers * * in your area? Check out: * * http://php.meetup.com/ * * No developer is an island ... * ************************************* -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php