Do not store the resolved Uri value

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 73 views

Introduction

When working with the GuzzleHttp\Psr7\Uri class in PHP, developers often rely on the __toString() method to convert the Uri object into a string representation. However, calling this method can lead to unexpected results when comparing Uri objects using the == operator. In this article, we will delve into the issue, explore the possible causes, and discuss potential solutions to ensure reliable object comparison.

The Problem

The problem arises when calling the __toString() method on a Uri object, which changes the object's state. This, in turn, makes the == comparison for Uri objects unreliable. The following code snippet demonstrates this issue:

use GuzzleHttp\Psr7\Uri;

$uri1 = new Uri('http://test.com');
$uri2 = new Uri('http://test.com');

var_dump($uri1 == $uri2); // true

$uri2->__toString();

var_dump($uri1 == $uri2); // false

As shown in the code above, the initial comparison between $uri1 and $uri2 returns true, indicating that the two objects are equal. However, after calling the __toString() method on $uri2, the comparison returns false, suggesting that the objects are no longer equal.

Possible Causes

The issue is caused by the composedComponents property, which is used to store the value of the resolved Uri. This property is initialized lazily, meaning it is only populated when the __toString() method is called. The relevant code snippet is as follows:

public function __toString(): string
{
    if ($this->composedComponents === null) {
        $this->composedComponents = self::composeComponents(
            $this->scheme,
            $this->getAuthority(),
            $this->path,
            $this->query,
            $this->fragment
        );
    }

    return $this->composedComponents;
}

Possible Solutions

To resolve this issue, we can consider two possible solutions:

1. Do Not Store the Resolved Uri Value

One approach is to avoid storing the resolved Uri value in the composedComponents property. Instead, we can rely on the client to store the resolved value if needed. This solution would require modifications to the Uri class to remove the lazy initialization of the composedComponents property.

2. Resolve the Uri in the Constructor

Another solution is to resolve the Uri in the constructor, ensuring that the composedComponents property is initialized with the resolved value. This approach would eliminate the need for lazy initialization and prevent the object state from changing when the __toString() method is called.

Additional Context

In our case, we were in the process of migrating to a newer PHP version and needed to update the GuzzleHttp\Psr7 package. As a result, we encountered this issue and had to fix the codebase. Thankfully, our tests also broke, which allowed us to identify and address the problem before it reached production.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the issue of calling the __toString() method on a Uri object leading to unexpected results when comparing Uri objects using the == operator. In this Q&A article, we will delve deeper into the topic and provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions related to this issue.

Q: What is the root cause of this issue?

A: The root cause of this issue is the lazy initialization of the composedComponents property in the Uri class. When the __toString() method is called, it initializes the composedComponents property with the resolved Uri value. However, this initialization changes the object state, making the == comparison unreliable.

Q: Why is the `composedComponents` property initialized lazily?

A: The composedComponents property is initialized lazily to improve performance. By only populating the property when the __toString() method is called, the Uri class can avoid unnecessary computations and reduce memory usage.

Q: What are the implications of this issue?

A: The implications of this issue are significant. When the __toString() method is called on a Uri object, it can lead to unexpected results when comparing Uri objects using the == operator. This can cause issues in applications that rely on reliable object comparison, such as caching mechanisms or data validation.

Q: How can I fix this issue?

A: There are two possible solutions to fix this issue:

Do not store the resolved Uri value: Avoid storing the resolved Uri value in the composedComponents property. Instead, rely on the client to store the resolved value if needed.
Resolve the Uri in the constructor: Resolve the Uri in the constructor, ensuring that the composedComponents property is initialized with the resolved value.

Q: What are the benefits of resolving the Uri in the constructor?

A: Resolving the Uri in the constructor has several benefits, including:

Improved reliability: By initializing the composedComponents property with the resolved Uri value, you can ensure reliable object comparison.
Simplified code: Resolving the Uri in the constructor eliminates the need for lazy initialization and reduces code complexity.
Better performance: By avoiding unnecessary computations, resolving the Uri in the constructor can improve performance.

Q: What are the implications of resolving the Uri in the constructor?

A: Resolving the Uri in the constructor has several implications, including:

Increased memory usage: Resolving the Uri in the constructor can increase memory usage, as the composedComponents property is initialized with the resolved value.
Reduced flexibility: By resolving the Uri in the constructor, you may reduce flexibility in your application, as the Uri object is initialized with the resolved value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, calling the __toString() method on a Uri object can lead to unexpected results when comparing Uri objects using the == operator. By understanding the root cause of this issue and exploring potential solutions, we can ensure reliable object comparison and maintain the integrity of our codebase. Whether we choose to avoid storing the resolved Uri value or resolve it in the constructor, the key is to find a solution that meets our requirements and ensures the stability of our application.