Understanding How to Pass Object Parameters in a PHP SOAP Client

Learn how to correctly pass `Object` parameters in a PHP SOAP client with a practical example and step-by-step breakdown.
---
This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/68632683/ asked by the user 'Webmill' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/16583269/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/68634746/ provided by the user 'Webmill' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/16583269/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: Object as parameter for SOAP client in PHP

Also, Content (except music) licensed under CC BY-SA https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/l...
The original Question post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license, and the original Answer post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license.

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Dealing with Object Parameters in a PHP SOAP Client

When working with SOAP clients in PHP, passing parameters correctly can often be a source of frustration for developers. This is especially true when you need to send complex data types like objects. A common question arises: How do you effectively pass an object as a parameter in a PHP SOAP client?

In this guide, we'll dive into the details of handling object parameters using the getBookingPairsByPersonID method from a WSDL service. We’ll walk through an initial problem and how to resolve it with clear guidance and structured solutions.

The Problem: Passing the Object

The Service Definition

The WSDL describes a method in which various parameters including strings, booleans, and timestamps need to be structured properly. The call looks something like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Initial Attempt

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

However, upon execution, the output returned was an empty object, which left many puzzled.

Why Did It Fail?

The failure likely stemmed from not structuring the timestamp objects (WSTimestamp) correctly or failing to acknowledge how the SOAP client interprets these complex objects.

The Solution: Properly Structuring the Parameter Objects

After some troubleshooting, here's how to set up the parameters properly.

Step 1: Define the WSTimestamp Class

The first step is to ensure that the WSTimestamp is defined appropriately:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Create Instances of WSTimestamp

Create the instances for both from and to time:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 3: Call the SOAP Method Correctly

Now, use those instances in your SOAP method call:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Outcome

With the right structure and passing of parameters, the expected output will reveal the WSBookingPair filled with the relevant data, confirming the method's successful execution.

Final Thoughts

Passing complex objects as parameters in a PHP SOAP client can be tricky. By defining your objects clearly and ensuring your method calls align with the WSDL definitions, you can navigate these challenges more easily.

Feel free to refer back to this structured approach if you ever find yourself needing to pass objects in your SOAP requests!