public function execute(): User
{
    return User::create($this->name, $this->email);
}

}


## When to Use

Activate this skill when:
- Creating or editing `.php` files
- Working with PHP 8.3+ features (readonly, union types, enums)
- Implementing design patterns in PHP
- Using PHP standard library functions
- Working with Laravel or other PHP frameworks
- User mentions "PHP", "class", "interface", "trait"

## Critical Rules

1. **`declare(strict_types=1)`** - Always enable strict types at the top of every file
2. **Readonly classes** - Use `readonly` for immutable data transfer objects
3. **Type everything** - Always type properties, parameters, and return values
4. **Final classes** - Use `final` for classes that shouldn't be extended
5. **Enums over constants** - Use PHP 8.1+ enums for fixed sets of values

## Reference Guide

### Core Concepts

| Concept | Reference | When to consult |
|---------|-----------|-----------------|
| **Types** | [types.md](references/types.md) | PHP 8.3+ type system |
| **Patterns** | [patterns.md](references/patterns.md) | Design patterns in PHP |
| **Standard Library** | [standard-library.md](references/standard-library.md) | Built-in functions |

## Quick Reference

### Readonly Properties

```php
// PHP 8.2+ readonly class
final readonly class UserData
{
    public function __construct(
        public string $name,
        public string $email,
    ) {}
}

Union Types

function process(int|float $number): int|float
{
    return $number * 2;
}

Intersection Types

function handle(Traversable&Countable $collection): void
{
    // Can both iterate and count
}

Enums

enum Status: string
{
    case PENDING = 'pending';
    case PAID = 'paid';
    case CANCELLED = 'cancelled';
}

Attributes

#[Route('/api/users', methods: ['GET'])]
public function index(): Response
{
    // ...
}

Constructor Promotion

// Before
private string $name;
public function __construct(string $name) {
    $this->name = $name;
}

// After
public function __construct(
    private readonly string $name,
) {}

Related Skills

laravel: Laravel framework patterns
api: REST API design
mysql: MySQL database patterns
postgresql: PostgreSQL patterns

php

PHP 8.3+ Modern Practices

Quick Start