Clean and Efficient: Grouping PHP use Statements

When writing PHP code, especially in frameworks like Laravel or custom-built applications, we often find ourselves importing multiple classes from the same namespace. For example:

use App\Models\User;
use App\Models\Team;
use App\Models\Project;

This is clear and functional, but can it be cleaner? Absolutely! PHP offers a syntax that allows us to group these imports under a single use statement:

use App\Models\{User, Team, Project};

This simple change can enhance code readability, reduce the number of lines, and make it easier to maintain. Let’s explore this concept in depth.

Why Group use Statements?

• Readability: Instead of cluttering the top of the file with multiple lines of use, you can condense them into a single, concise line.
• Maintainability: If you ever need to change the namespace (App\Models to, say, App\Entities), you only need to modify it in one place.
• Organization: Grouping similar imports helps the reader immediately see the relationship between the classes.

Other Considerations

While this approach seems like a no-brainer, let’s discuss a few considerations:

1. PHP Version Compatibility

Grouping use statements was introduced in PHP 7.0. If your project runs on an older version of PHP (which it shouldn't in 2025), this syntax will not work.

2. Consistency

It’s good practice to be consistent across your project or team. If you decide to group imports in one file, try to apply it throughout the codebase. Inconsistent styles can confuse developers and code reviewers.

3. Aliasing

Grouped use statements also support aliasing, which can be useful when importing classes with the same name but different namespaces:

use App\Models\{User as ModelUser, Team, Project};

This avoids naming conflicts and makes code intent clearer.

4. Importing Functions and Constants

In addition to classes, functions and constants can be grouped (since PHP 7.0+):

use function App\Utils\{formatDate, calculateTax};
use const App\Config\{PI, EULER};

This is especially useful in projects that rely heavily on utility functions or constant definitions.

5. Long Groupings

When grouping a large number of classes or functions, consider breaking the line for readability:

use App\Models\{
    User, Team, Project, Order, Invoice,
    Payment, Shipment, Customer, Vendor
};

This makes it easier to scan visually, and avoids horizontal scrolling in your editor.

Common Pitfalls

• Namespace Confusion: Always ensure you’re grouping classes under the correct namespace. Mixing classes from different namespaces in a group import is not allowed.
• Overuse: Grouped use statements are best used when the imports belong to the same logical namespace. Avoid trying to group everything just to reduce line count.
• Tool Compatibility: Some static analysis tools or older linters might not fully support grouped use statements. Ensure your tools are updated.

Finally

The use App\Models\{User, Team, Project}; syntax is a small but powerful feature of PHP. It improves code quality, boosts readability, and shows a keen eye for maintainability. Like all good things in coding, use it wisely and consistently.

If you’ve been manually typing or copy-pasting multiple use lines for the same namespace, it’s time to refactor your code and adopt this modern best practice.

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