oop - When and why should I use class in php? -

i want know when , why should use class in php, read @ php.net class contains variables (we write var before them) , functions these variables, why not use regular functions ? mean class ?

and thank you.

often suggested advantages using object oriented programming (i.e.: oop aka: class based) approach instead of traditional procedural programming oop aids maintainability , provides clearer separation of concerns (in main due fact object set of data , operations related data), although constructed procedural code won't worse oop approach.

irrespective, i'd tempted take @ discussion on on: simple explanation php oop vs procedural? suspect answer many of questions.

that said, it's worth bearing in mind there's never "one size fits all" approach, , mix of both procedural , oop ideal.

also, if you're beginner php (or programming in general) oop (especially large frameworks zend) can seem overwhelming, it's worth effort getting know them. (it'll pay dividends down line.)

as final point, i'd oop more of "systems thinking" approach, in large systems break down (reasonably) naturally objects. perspective of who's been using oop many years mention, i'd it's @ least worthy of serious investigation. (the wikipedia entry place start any.)