Summary

In this chapter, you learned how to write better code using the new PHP 8 data types: mixed and union types. You also learned about how using named arguments can not only improve the readability of your code but can also help prevent accidental misuse of class methods and PHP functions, as well as providing a great way to skip over default arguments.

This chapter also taught you how the new Attribute class can be used as an eventual replacement for PHP DocBlocks, serving to improve the overall performance of your code while providing a solid means of documenting classes, methods, and functions.

In addition, we looked at how PHP 8 can greatly reduce the amount of code needed by earlier PHP versions by taking advantage of constructor argument promotion and typed properties.

In the next chapter, you will learn about new PHP 8 features at the functional and procedural level.