php

PHP Rules

Style

• Match existing style: PSR-12 / Laravel Pint / PHP-CS-Fixer.
• Don't reformat unrelated lines.
• Match existing strict-type declaration: declare(strict_types=1); or not — don't toggle.

Output

• Single method change → show only that method.
• Class change → show only the changed members. Use // ... rest of class unchanged.
• Don't reprint use statements unless adding new ones.

Types

• Match existing parameter/return type usage. Don't add type hints to untyped code unless asked.
• Don't change array type hints to typed objects unless asked.

Framework-Specific

Laravel

• Match existing pattern: Eloquent vs Query Builder vs raw SQL.
• Don't add facades/helpers beyond what siblings use.
• Don't change route definitions while editing controllers.
• Match existing validation style: Form Request vs inline $request->validate(...).

Symfony

• Match existing service definition style: autowired vs explicit YAML/PHP config.
• Don't add new bundles unless asked.

WordPress

• Don't add filters/actions beyond what's needed.
• Match existing escaping style (esc_html, esc_attr, wp_kses).
• Never echo user input without escaping.

Tests

• Match existing framework: PHPUnit / Pest. Don't switch.
• Don't add Mockery if the codebase uses PHPUnit's built-in mocks (or vice versa).

Never

• Don't add final to classes that aren't already final.
• Don't change visibility (private ↔ protected ↔ public) unless asked.
• Don't remove @throws / @param PHPDoc blocks without asking.
• Don't suggest upgrading PHP version as a fix.