Arrow functions

Arrow functions are shorter than function expressions and automatically capture variables from the containing scope without the need for an explicit use clause.

Basic syntax

(param1, param2, …, paramN) ==> expression
(param1, param2, …, paramN) ==> { statements }

// Empty parameter lists are expressed by a pair of parentheses
() ==> expression
() ==> { statements }

// Parentheses are optional if there is only one parameter and no return type
param ==> expression
param ==> { statements }

// Return types can be added
(param1, param2, …, paramN): returnType ==> expression
(param1, param2, …, paramN): returnType ==> { statements }

Motivation

Arrow functions allow for shorter and more concise syntax.

$materials->map(function($m) { return $m->length(); });

$materials->map($m ==> $m->length());

Typing

As in function expressions, parameters can be typed:

$connect= (Uri $uri) ==> new HttpConnection($uri);

Capturing

Unlike function expressions, variables from the enclosing scope are automatically captured. Note that all variables are captured by value. If you wish to capture by reference, you'll need to use a function expression.

See also

• Hack lambdas: The ==> operator and introduction
• PHP RFC: Arrow functions