Class Properties vs. Functions

[ransomedbyfire]

What is the point of using class properties when one can usually just use a function instead? Is there a good time to use one instead of the other? Is one generally better than the other? Why?

 

[Hermanito]

A property is usually for storing state in a backing private variable. A function is for some calculation or evaluation of state and returning that result.

So, my rule of thumb is this:
- storing and retrieving state? --> use properties
- retrieving a calculation on stored state --> use functions

but the dividing line is a thin one, and discussion can be endless.

In performance you will not detect differences I think, so it is your own choice mainly. Part of your personal style

 

[Jaymond Flurrie]

What is the point of using class properties when one can usually just use a function instead? Is there a good time to use one instead of the other? Is one generally better than the other? Why?

I'd say that using properties makes the code more clear, because the code will be "tighter" bound to the class. If you have enough time, then you could begin by using functions and then re-factor the code to use classes - that is, if you're not comfortable with using classes in the first place. One of the best sides in Excel programming is that you can do stuff first "well this seems to work" and then easily translate that to something that is more robust, looks better and/or is faster.

 

[Hermanito]

Jaymond, I think he meant functions inside a class instead of a property.
You can easily implement a class property as a class function and sometimes also the other way around...