DTO Generator

DTO Generator

Generate DTOs for transferring data between layers, API boundaries, and external systems.

DTO Characteristics

• Immutable: Read-only after creation
• No Behavior: Pure data container, no business logic
• Serializable: JSON/​array conversion support
• Typed: Strictly typed properties
• Validated: Input validation at creation (for requests)
• Layer-Specific: Different DTOs for different purposes

DTO Types

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Generation Process

Step 1: Identify DTO Type

Determine the purpose and layer for the DTO.

Step 2: Generate DTO Class

Path based on type:

• Request: src/​Presentation/​Api/​{Context}/​Request/
• Response: src/​Presentation/​Api/​{Context}/​Response/
• Application: src/​Application/​{Context}/​DTO/
• Integration: src/​Infrastructure/​ExternalApi/​{Service}/​DTO/

Step 3: Add Conversion Methods

1. fromArray() — Create from raw data
2. fromEntity() — Create from domain entity (Response DTOs)
3. toArray() / jsonSerialize() — Serialize for output

Step 4: Generate Tests

Path: tests/​Unit/​{Layer}/​{Context}/​{Type}/

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File Placement

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Naming Conventions

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Quick Template Reference

Request DTO

final readonly class {Name}Request
{
    public function __construct(
        #[Assert\NotBlank]
        public string $field,
        #[Assert\Valid]
        public ?NestedRequest $nested = null
    ) {}

    public static function fromArray(array $data): self;
}

Response DTO

final readonly class {Name}Response implements \JsonSerializable
{
    public function __construct(
        public string $id,
        public string $name,
        /​** @var array<ItemResponse> */
        public array $items = []
    ) {}

    public static function fromEntity({Entity} $entity): self;
    public function jsonSerialize(): array;
}

Application DTO

final readonly class {Name}DTO
{
    public function __construct(
        public string $id,
        public string $field
    ) {}

    public static function fromRequest({Name}Request $request): self;
    public function toArray(): array;
}

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Anti-patterns to Avoid

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References

For complete PHP templates and examples, see:

• references/​templates.md — Request, Response, Application, Collection, Integration DTO templates
• references/​examples.md — Order, User, Payment examples and tests