How much logic is too much logic in a PHP enum

How much logic is too much logic in a PHP enum

From No Compromises by Joel Clermont and Aaron Saray

June 6, 2026 · 13 min · Episode 154

About this episode

The episode discusses the appropriate use of methods and logic in PHP enums and the evolution of coding practices in PHP.

Have you ever added a method to an enum and then wondered if you just turned it into something it was never meant to be? In the latest episode of the No Compromises podcast, we discuss where to draw the line when adding methods and logic to PHP enums. We trace the evolution from magic strings to constants to interfaces, and explain why enums were the missing piece PHP needed all along. We also cover when label methods and data structure helpers belong on an enum, why Eloquent queries cross a line, and how to avoid turning a simple enum into a bloated helper class. (00:00) - Why magic strings and constants fall short (01:43) - How PHP enums replaced interface constants (02:26) - What methods belong on an enum (06:58) - The rule for keeping enum methods focused (10:44) - Silly bit Join developers who think carefully about clean code decisions in the No Compromises community .

People in this episode

Hosts: Joel Clermont, Aaron Saray

Topics covered

  • PHP enums
  • clean code
  • method logic
  • programming best practices
  • Eloquent queries

Keywords

  • PHP
  • enums
  • clean code
  • magic strings
  • constants
  • interfaces
  • Eloquent

Mentioned in this episode

Products: PHP

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