The __callStatic() magic method allows PHP classes to intercept and handle calls to undefined static methods. It enables flexible, dynamic behavior in static contexts.
The method signature always includes the method name and an array of arguments. It is useful for dynamic dispatching, proxies, helpers, and backward compatibility.
// Class demonstrating dynamic static method handling
<?php
class MathHelper {
public static function __callStatic($name, $arguments) {
echo "Attempting to call static method: $name()<br>";
if ($name === 'sum') {
return array_sum($arguments);
} elseif ($name === 'multiply') {
return array_product($arguments);
} else {
return "Method $name not defined!";
}
}
}
// Calling undefined static methods dynamically
echo MathHelper::sum(2, 3, 5);
echo "<br>";
echo MathHelper::multiply(2, 3, 5);
echo "<br>";
echo MathHelper::divide(10, 2);
?>
The method name is intercepted and checked. Based on the name, the logic decides whether to sum, multiply, or return a fallback message for undefined behavior.