Dynamically generate classes at runtime in php?

Question

Here's what I want to do:

$clsName = substr(md5(rand()),0,10); //generate a random name
$cls = new $clsName(); //create a new instance

function __autoload($class_name)
{
  //define that instance dynamically
}

Obviously this isn't what I'm actually doing, but basically I have unknown names for a class and based on the name, I want to generate the class with certain properties etc.

I've tried using eval() but it is giving me fits over private and $this-> references...

//edit

Ok, obviously my short and sweet "here's what I want to do" caused massive strife and consternation amongst those who may be able to provide answers. In the hope of getting an actual answer I'll be more detailed.

I have a validation framework using code hints on the site I maintain. Each function has two definitions

function DoSomething($param, $param2){
   //code
}
function DoSomething_Validate(vInteger $param, vFloat $param2){
   //return what to do if validation fails
}

I'm looking to add a validator for primary keys in my database. I don't want to create a separate class for EVERY table (203). So my plan was to do something like

function DoSomething_Validate(vPrimaryKey_Products $id){ }

Where the __autoload would generate a subclass of vPrimaryKey and set the table parameter to Products.

Happy now?

Answer 1

function __autoload($class)  {
    $code = "class $class {`
        public function run() {
            echo '$class<br>';  
        }
        ".'
        public function __call($name,$args) {
            $args=implode(",",$args);
            echo "$name ($args)<br>";
        }
    }';

    eval($code);
}

$app=new Klasse();
$app->run();
$app->HelloWorld();

This might help to create a class at runtime. It also creates a methor run and a catchall method for unknown methods But better create Objects at runtime, not classes.

Answer 2

Using eval() is really a bad idea. It opens a large security hole. Just don't use it!

Answer 3

Please read everyone else answers on how this is truly a very very bad idea.

Once you understand that, here is a small demo on how you could, but should not, do this.

---

<?php
$clname = "TestClass";

eval("class $clname{}; \$cls = new $clname();");

var_dump($cls);