Using Eclipse for PHP Development

Eclipse is a powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) associated most with Java. However, using a powerful plug-in by Zend called PDT we can transform Eclipse into a great IDE for PHP.

Why Use an IDE for PHP?

Just like with any other programming language, an IDE for PHP will make you more productive. With incremental compiling (pointing out compile errors as you type them), suggestive functions, and the ability to nicely visualize your objects and function files, PDT will make you more organized and allow you to develop more quickly. Plus with Eclipse’s built in functions, referencing, updating and editing code will be a breeze.

Installing PDT

In order to use PDT, you will need two things: Java and Eclipse. Since Eclipse is a Java program, it does not need to be installed, as long as the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). You can download the JRE here.

If you don’t have Eclipse installed, you can get Eclipse, PDT, and everything you need in a nifty package here. If you do have Eclipse installed, you call follow these instructions:

1. In Eclipse, Go to Help->Software Updates
2. On the right hand side under the “Available Software” tab, click Add Site and add this URL: http://downloads.zend.com/pdt. Click OK.
3. Make sure the box for the URL you added is checked, and click the Install button in the top right corner.

Once you do that, you will most likely be asked to restart Eclipse; do so. You’ve now successfully installed PDT for Eclipse.

Getting Started with PDT

For this tutorial, we will be creating a “Hello World” program using objects and functions to demonstrate some of the features of PDT.

Start by going to File->New->Project and choosing PHP. Click Next, name your project “Hello World,” and click Finish. If you get a message about creating a new perspective, click No. In the left pane, you should now see a folder named “Hello World.” Right click (or Control+click for Mac) on that folder, go to New->File, and name it HelloObj.php. Here is the code we will be adding to that file. *NOTE: I recommend you type this out yourself so you can see how PDT suggests functions and variables, as well as completes and auto-indents braces and brackets for you.

<?php 
 
class Hello{
	var $message;
 
	function __construct(){
		$this->message= "Hello World!";
	}
 
	function prntMessage(){
		echo $this->message;
	}
}
 
?>

Notice in the right pane, you now have an outline of your variables and functions. If we add PHPDOC comments to any function, like this:

	/**
	 * Function that prints the value of the instance variable 
	 * $message
	 */
	function prntMessage(){
		echo $this->message;
	}

We’d be able to mouse over a function and read those comments.

Now we will create a file to call this class (often called a ‘driver’). Create a new PHP file and call it helloDriver.php. Here is the code we’ll be adding to that. Again, I recommend you type the code yourself. You’ll see our new class is now showing up as a suggested one.

<?php 
include('helloObj.php');
$hello= new hello();
 
$hello->prntMessage();
?>

Make sure you save both files, and with helloDriver.php showing, click the down arrow next to the Run Button . Choose Run As->PHP Script.

At the bottom, in the Debug Output pane, you should see the text “Hello World!”

Notes

We’ve only scratched the surface with using Eclipse and PDT. If you are an Eclipse user, you already know what kind of powerful/time saving things this IDE can do. If not, I suggest you play around a little- it’s a great tool.

Also, our method works for running PHP scripts; however, running PHP websites requires us to install Apache and PHP, which is a tutorial in and of itself.

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Joe Casabona

This contributor has published 1 articles so far and their bio is coming soon!

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