__get() Method

__get() is a magic method : it is called when a property cannot be access, either because it doesn’t exist, or because its visibility prevents it.

That way, it is possible to create dynamically properties, without hardcoding them.

The __get() method is usually paired with the __set() method.

<?php

class x {
     private $values = ['a' => 1,
                                        'b' => 2,
                                        ];

     // Checks the dictionary, or return 0
     function __get($name) {
             if (isset($this->values[$name])) {
                     return $this->values[$name];
             }

             return 0;
     }
}

?>

Documentation

See also What are magic methods and how to use them in PHP ?

Related : Magic Methods, __set() Method, __isset() Method, Magic Constants