How to have a class spread across many source files?

Answer 1

I think you may be approaching this wrong. That's certainly not the best way to go about it. Try breaking the many functions into smaller utility classes and then using those to composite a larger class.

Answer 2

• Don't use static methods, as it makes it hard to use something else than the SQL class
• Use small classes, which have a single responsibility.

Answer 3

I think you should use the Builder pattern for your SQL instead of a motley container of static methods.

No, there is no multiple inheritance in PHP. Use delegation instead.

No, you can't include files to define methods of a class. You can only include files in contexts where code is executing, not in the middle of a class definition:

<?php

include("define-functions.php"); // OK

class Foo
{
  include("define-methods.php");  // ERROR

  function foo()
  {
    include("method-body.php"); // OK
  }
}

PHP Parse error:  syntax error, unexpected T_INCLUDE, expecting T_FUNCTION 
in foo.php on line 7

---

Re your comment:

Since you're committed to using only static methods, why bother with a class at all? Just define functions in the global scope. Then you can include() as many as you want:

<?php

include("SQLSession.php");
include("SQLUser.php");
include("SQLblahblah.php");

SQLSession.php:

<?php

function SQLSessionStart()
{
   ...
}

function SQLSessionEnd()
{
   ...
}

You don't have access to static class member data with this solution, but you can just use global variables.

Answer 4

to me, it sounds like you're trying to create a monolithic chunk of code, which is the exact opposite of class based OO code - I'd recommend following the DAO blueprint of the Java core patterns, and implementing it in PHP for what you want to do :) that should cover all you're questions