PHP Function Generator
Describe a function and get modern, typed PHP. The generator writes the signature with scalar and nullable types, defaults and a return type, a PHPDoc block with precise array types and @throws, argument checks for values a type cannot express, and a placeholder return. Generate a standalone function, optionally namespaced, or a method with visibility and static.
- Runs in your browser
- No sign-up
- Free to use
How to use PHP Function Generator
- Choose function or method and enter the name.
- List the parameters as name: type = default.
- Set the return type and options.
- Copy the code and implement the TODO.
PHP Function Generator features
Full typing
Parameter, nullable and return types for PHP 8.
PHPDoc
Descriptions, list<T> array types, @return and @throws.
Argument checks
Empty strings and negative sizes rejected with clear messages.
Defaults
Literals, null and a “now” date handled correctly.
Functions or methods
Visibility and static for class methods.
Long signatures
One parameter per line when the signature gets long.
When to use PHP Function Generator
- Writing helper functions with consistent documentation.
- Scaffolding repository or service methods.
- Adding types and PHPDoc to legacy code.
- Teaching PHP 8 typing and documentation.
PHP Function Generator FAQ
Why use strict_types?
Without it, PHP converts scalar arguments, so "5" becomes 5 silently. With declare(strict_types=1), a wrong type throws a TypeError immediately.
Why check values when parameters are typed?
Types guarantee the kind of value, not its content. An empty name or a negative limit is still a valid string or int; explicit checks catch those.
Why must required parameters come first?
PHP 8 deprecates required parameters after optional ones. The generator asks you to reorder them rather than producing code that triggers deprecation warnings.
What does the placeholder return?
A value of the declared type, so the function can be called before it is implemented. For class types it throws LogicException instead.
What about functions without a namespace?
They are global. The notes suggest a function_exists guard if the file can be included more than once.
Is anything uploaded?
No. The code is generated in your browser.
Typed PHP functions
PHP has become a strongly typed language when you ask it to be. Scalar types, nullable types, union types, return types and strict_types let the engine reject wrong arguments at the call site. Combined with PHPDoc for the details PHP types cannot express, such as the element type of an array, functions document themselves and static analysers can verify the code.
The generator writes that combination for you. Parameters use a neutral notation with types, defaults and an optional marker; they become typed parameters, with ? for nullable ones and literal defaults. The PHPDoc block repeats the types more precisely, for example list<string> instead of array, and documents the return type and exceptions.
Argument checks cover what types cannot. A string typed parameter can still be empty, and an int limit can still be negative. Checks for these common cases throw InvalidArgumentException with a message that names the parameter, which is far easier to debug than a failure later in the function.
PHP’s rules are applied as you go. Required parameters must precede optional ones, so the generator stops with a clear message instead of producing deprecated code. A date parameter that should default to the current time becomes nullable and is filled in with ??=, because default values must be constant expressions.
Methods get a visibility and optional static modifier and are placed in a class stub to show their context. Functions can be namespaced; global functions get a note about guarding against redeclaration.