---
title: "PHP 8.2"
description: "PHP 8.2 is a 2022 release that added readonly classes and composite types. Learn its key changes, support status and what it means for applications."
url: "https://nodea.io/en/glossary/php-8-2"
lang: "en"
updated: "2026-07-13"
---

# PHP 8.2

> PHP 8.2 is a 2022 release of the PHP language that introduced readonly classes, new composite types and standalone null, true and false types. It refined the mechanisms added in PHP 8.1.

**PHP 8.2** is a release of the [PHP](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/php) language shipped in December 2022, continuing the 8.x series and refining the mechanisms introduced in [PHP 8.1](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/php-8-1). It focused on further polishing the type system and tidying up the language by marking outdated constructs as deprecated.

## Why PHP 8.2 mattered

PHP 8.2 introduced changes that improve data modelling and make code more predictable:

- **readonly classes** — the ability to mark an entire class as immutable, without repeating the modifier on each field;
- **composite types (DNF)** — combining union and intersection types, for example indicating that a value satisfies several interfaces or is null;
- **standalone null, true and false types** — more precise return-type declarations;
- **deprecation of dynamic properties** — encouraging explicit field definitions, which reduces hard-to-spot bugs.

Deprecating dynamic properties was an important signal of the language's direction toward greater type discipline and predictable object behaviour.

## Practical applications

PHP 8.2 became a solid production base for modern web applications, online stores and SaaS platforms. Thanks to its long window of security support, it is a popular choice for new deployments built on current [frameworks](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/framework). Migrating from PHP 8.1 usually goes smoothly, because the two versions are highly compatible. Modern [hosting](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/hosting) and VPS servers let you choose the PHP version from a control panel, so you can conveniently test an application on 8.2 before switching the production environment.

### A move toward immutability

The introduction of readonly classes fits well into a broader trend visible across successive PHP releases: a growing emphasis on immutability and predictable data. Objects whose state cannot be changed after creation are easier to reason about and safer in concurrent environments. Combined with the deprecation of dynamic properties, PHP 8.2 clearly encourages developers to define the structure of their objects explicitly and with discipline.

## Related

- [PHP](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/php)
- [PHP 8.1](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/php-8-1)
- [PHP 8.4](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/php-8-4)
- [Framework](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/framework)
- [Hosting](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/hosting)

---

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