Libraries

Libraries are classes that provide reusable functionality for your application. Unlike helpers (which are just standalone functions), libraries are full PHP classes that can maintain their own properties and state.

LavaLust comes with several built-in libraries (e.g., session, form_validation, email, etc.), and you can also create your own.

Loading a Library

To load a library, use the $this->call->library() method inside your controller or model:

<?php
class AuthController extends Controller
{
    public function __construct()
    {
        parent::__construct();

        // Load the 'session' library
        $this->call->library('session');
    }

    public function login()
    {
        // Use the session library
        $this->session->set('user_id', 123);

        echo "Logged in as user 123";
    }
}

Note

The loaded library is available as a property on the controller (e.g., $this->session).

Using a Library

Once loaded, you can use the library just like any other PHP object.

Example using the ``session`` library:

// Set a value
$this->session->set('username', 'LavaUser');

// Get a value
echo $this->session->get('username');

// Remove a value
$this->session->remove('username');

// Destroy session
$this->session->destroy();

Loading Multiple Libraries

You can also load multiple libraries at once:

$this->call->library(['session', 'form_validation', 'email']);

All of these libraries will then be available as:

$this->session
$this->form_validation
$this->email

Auto-loading Libraries

If you want certain libraries to always be available in your app (without loading them every time), you can auto-load them in the configuration file:

1. Open app/config/autoload.php.

2. Add your library names in the $autoload['libraries'] array.

Example:

$autoload['libraries'] = ['session', 'form_validation'];

These libraries will now be loaded automatically for every request.

Creating a Custom Library

You can create your own library by placing a PHP class file inside app/libraries.

Example:

File: app/libraries/Greeter.php

<?php
class Greeter
{
    public function hello($name)
    {
        return "Hello, " . ucfirst($name) . "!";
    }
}

Usage in a controller:

<?php
class WelcomeController extends Controller
{
    public function index()
    {
        $this->call->library('greeter');

        echo $this->greeter->hello('lavalust');
        // Output: Hello, Lavalust!
    }
}

Important

• The file name must match the class name (Greeter.php -> class Greeter).

• The class name should use PascalCase, and you load it using lowercase (greeter).

Best Practices

• Use libraries for stateful or complex logic that involves multiple steps.

• Place reusable, general-purpose classes in the app/libraries folder.

• Autoload only the libraries that are used on almost every page (like session).

• Keep library classes focused on a single responsibility.

Note

Libraries are ideal when you need object-oriented, reusable logic that goes beyond simple functions (which are better suited for helpers).