Re: How does the interpreter work

Christian Grobmeier <grobmeier@gmail.com> wrote on 21/12/2009 13:56:08: > I would like to learn more about how the interpreter works, but I was > unable to find good documents on the web. Basically I am thinking on > something about allocation of variables, how does object creation work > and such stuff. Maybe something on the overall architecture of PHP > would be of interest too. > > In java world there is the JVM specification, I hoped there is > something for PHP too. Hi Christian, The PHP architecture is a little different from the JVM in that it does not explicitly document/specify the interface between the compiler and the bytecode/opcode interpreter the way that Java does. It still exists though. I suggest you look at the links under here: http://www.php.net/manual/en/internals2.php In particular: http://www.php.net/manual/en/internals2.opcodes.php Another good reference is Sara Goleman's book "Extending and Embedding PHP" Andy Wharmby produced a set of charts which you can find on Zoe's Blog here : http://zoomsplatter.blogspot.com/2008/08/php-opcodes.html . These may help you to make a fast start understanding the overall design. Rob.