MVC Model get() and set() vs. straight-up $model->var = val

Question

When is the right time to use functions to set variables inside of my models, verse simply directly assigning them?

AKA...

When do I use:

$model->set('status','active');

...instead of:

$model->status = 'active';

Answer 1

using getters and setters is good for the encapsulation of code. It's always a good idea to use them.

Think about this:

• What if your model has some variables that you don't want to be able to be read or changed (or both)?
• What if you ever need to do something besides just getting and setting the variable? (for example, sanatizing data)?

Answer 2

If you're using a recent version of PHP (5.x), you can get the best of both worlds with the magic methods __get() and __set(). (PHP reference). Any access to an undefined property will be routed to the appropriate get/set function automatically.

I must admin that I'm not certain if this is really a good idea to use or not, but it seems like a decent fit for a base model class in a MVC system.