PHP RFC: Instance Reference Sugar 0.2

instance-reference-sugar-rfc-0.2.php

====== PHP RFC: Instance Reference Sugar ======
  * Version: 0.2
  * Date: 2015-03-09
  * Author: Shawn McCool, [email protected]
  * Status: In Discussion

===== Summary =====

In order to access instance variables and methods, one must use the `$this->` prefix.

The problem with this is that it reduces expressiveness in the language and increases the amount of unnecessary decoration, reducing readability.

This RFC proposes a single character syntax sugar form of `$this->`. Instead, an `@` can be used to reference instance variables and methods.

The @ replaces the normal $ variable prefix.

===== Example =====

<file php Addition.php>
<?php
class Addition {
  private $number

  public function __construct($number) {
    @number = $number;
  }

  public function original() {
    return @number;
  }

  public function addTo($amount) {
    return @add(@number, $amount);
  }

  private function add($one, $two) {
    return $one + $two;
  }
}
</file>

===== Implementation =====

@ is basically a macro that expands to `$this->`

===== Backwards Compatibility =====

Leave `$this->` available.

@ is currently used for error suppression. This error suppression format should be removed in favor of error exceptions.

===== Proposed PHP Version(s) =====

This is proposed for the next PHP x, currently PHP 7.

Is there any news on this? ;)
Would really like to see this implemented at some point.
Not sure I have any preference on the character used, just something shorter than $this-> xD