---
title: "PHP Coding Style"
description: "> This file extends [common/coding-style.md](../common/coding-style.md) with PHP specific content."
type: skill
canonical_url: https://claudary.paisolsolutions.com/skills/coding-style-30
source: "Claudary"
difficulty: intermediate
author: "Claude Code Knowledge Pack"
date: 2026-07-10T11:14:15.856Z
license: CC-BY-4.0
attribution: "PHP Coding Style — Claudary (https://claudary.paisolsolutions.com/skills/coding-style-30)"
---

# PHP Coding Style
> This file extends [common/coding-style.md](../common/coding-style.md) with PHP specific content.

## Overview

---
paths:
  - "**/*.php"
  - "**/composer.json"
---
# PHP Coding Style

> This file extends [common/coding-style.md](../common/coding-style.md) with PHP specific content.

## Standards

- Follow **PSR-12** formatting and naming conventions.
- Prefer `declare(strict_types=1);` in application code.
- Use scalar type hints, return types, and typed properties everywhere new code permits.

## Immutability

- Prefer immutable DTOs and value objects for data crossing service boundaries.
- Use `readonly` properties or immutable constructors for request/response payloads where possible.
- Keep arrays for simple maps; promote business-critical structures into explicit classes.

## Formatting

- Use **PHP-CS-Fixer** or **Laravel Pint** for formatting.
- Use **PHPStan** or **Psalm** for static analysis.
- Keep Composer scripts checked in so the same commands run locally and in CI.

## Imports

- Add `use` statements for all referenced classes, interfaces, and traits.
- Avoid relying on the global namespace unless the project explicitly prefers fully qualified names.

## Error Handling

- Throw exceptions for exceptional states; avoid returning `false`/`null` as hidden error channels in new code.
- Convert framework/request input into validated DTOs before it reaches domain logic.

## Reference

See skill: `backend-patterns` for broader service/repository layering guidance.

---

Source: [Claudary](https://claudary.paisolsolutions.com/skills/coding-style-30) · https://claudary.paisolsolutions.com