PHP 8.3 after release – typed constants, json_validate(), clone with in practice
PHP 8.3 was officially released on 23 November 2023. After a few weeks of real use, the features that seemed minor on paper turn out to be genuinely useful in everyday code. Typed class constants stop silent type errors in constant definitions. json_validate() replaces decode-and-discard. The readonly amendment makes value object cloning finally ergonomic. I show all three in production scenarios.
- Published in PHP
WooCommerce vs Magento 2 – architecture, hooks vs DI, when to choose which
WooCommerce and Magento 2 are both serious e-commerce platforms, but they target fundamentally different use cases and developer profiles. After years of working primarily in Magento 2 I have done several WooCommerce projects. The architecture differences are real and the choice matters. I compare both platforms where it counts for a developer making the decision.
- Published in PHP
GraphQL Federation – subgraphs, gateway, Apollo Router, Magento 2 integration
GraphQL Federation allows splitting a monolithic GraphQL schema into separate subgraphs maintained by different teams or services. Each service owns its part of the schema; the gateway stitches them together transparently for the client. This architecture fits e-commerce well: products, inventory, pricing, and orders as independent services with a unified API layer.
- Published in PHP
Dijkstra – shortest path with weights, SplMinHeap, e-commerce applications
Dijkstra’s algorithm finds the shortest path in a weighted graph – the generalisation of BFS for graphs where edges have costs. It is the foundation of GPS navigation, network routing, and in e-commerce it appears in warehouse routing, delivery zone assignment, and shipping cost calculations. I implement it in PHP with SplMinHeap and show practical applications.