Forcing case sensitive functions in PHP :: by re-compiling the source?

Question

UPDATED
Is there any way to force case sensitive function names in PHP, even if it means re-compiling PHP?

• could this be achieved by some setting in the php.ini?
• is it possible to achieve this by using some form of name-space "hack"?
• as a last resort: how (and where) do I edit the PHP C/C++source-code that could force global case-sensitivity --and make it available as an option in the php.ini -which could be overridden by apache config, and .htaccess, and during runtime with ini_set() ?
  
  

There are plenty answers that confirm:

• PHP function-names and class-names are NOT case-sensitive
• PHP constants and variable names ARE case-sensitive
  
  

This question is about taking control of the situation as it is quite painful if you have the following problem:

<?
    define('List', ':List:');
    die(List);
?>

Parse error: syntax error, unexpected ')', expecting '('

In the example above, the "intrinsic" function-name list interferes with the "user-defined" constant List and not in a "good" way - as it results in a Parse Error.

I know many PHP developers do not care too much about "case-sensitivity" and do not see the need for this; however, if you're building a neat boiler-plate, or a framework with well defined data-types as short words (for comparison reasons), then it is a problem as you are targeting a large audience.

Any input would be appreciated, thanks.

Answer 1

Finding clues on the net on how exactly to do this seems illusory; however, the following may be useful for anyone looking for clues in achieving something related.

To modify & compile the PHP source-code, see this article:

How to modify the php source code and recompile it?

Here's a few pointers that may be useful:

• download the PHP source-code from here: http://php.net/downloads.php
• have a look in the main "engine" folders for files that reference sensitiv & case_ in their contents; however, it is likely in here: ./Zend/zendAPI.c (citation needed)
• take note of the constant CONST_CS and its value, defined in ./Zend/zend_constants.h file as it is used frequently
• edit what you see fit, compile the updated code and copy+paste the necessary components into your main PHP runime folder, (in linux it is most likely in: /etc/php
  
  

To make your changes be configurable in php.ini

• you will need to edit the ./Zend/zend_ini.c file
• add your setting as a function in there
• make sure it's defined & referenced where necessary, as in the ./Zend/zend_ini_scanner.* files.
  
  

To make your changes be configurable in Apache config & .htaccess

• have a look here on how Apache modules work and how they are made: https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/developer/modguide.html
• get the mod_php5.c source code that corresponds relatively with the PHP & Apache versions: https://searchcode.com/codesearch/view/2479116/

---

Question specific

The above may be helpful for re-building PHP, but, there may be a better and much quicker solution.

Constructive criticism
Related to the nature this question specifically, editing & re-compiling the source may be overkill. Not only is it completely out of "PHP language" scope, but mentioning that this is targeted a large audience may defeat the purpose of the framework / boilerplate entirely.

A better approach
The exact reason for why it is so crucial for case-sensitivity of these exact data-type constant words is unknown; however, maybe re-naming them, or defining functions to use in stead of constant comparison could be beneficial, so:

• instead of the word: List, how about ListDT (for List-Data-Type)
• comparison may be longer to type than a short function like: isList()

After all: "speed of coding" could be more important than "speed of code" in many cases.

This approach may prevent the need for re-compiling PHP and the "target audience" won't need to manually obtain and install a very specific PHP version just because "the framework" demands some specific words.