# Create Dto

> Generates DTO (Data Transfer Object) for PHP 8.4. Creates immutable objects for layer boundaries, API requests/responses, and data serialization. Includes unit tests.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/create-dto` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/create-dto`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/create-dto/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Integrations & APIs
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/create-dto

---


# 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

| Type | Purpose | Location |
|------|---------|----------|
| Request DTO | API input validation | Presentation layer |
| Response DTO | API output formatting | Presentation layer |
| Command DTO | Use case input | Application layer |
| Query Result DTO | Read model output | Application layer |
| Integration DTO | External API data | Infrastructure layer |

---

## 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}/`

---

## File Placement

| Type | Path |
|------|------|
| Request DTO | `src/Presentation/Api/{Context}/Request/` |
| Response DTO | `src/Presentation/Api/{Context}/Response/` |
| Application DTO | `src/Application/{Context}/DTO/` |
| Integration DTO | `src/Infrastructure/ExternalApi/{Service}/DTO/` |
| Unit Tests | `tests/Unit/{Layer}/{Context}/{Type}/` |

---

## Naming Conventions

| Type | Pattern | Example |
|------|---------|---------|
| Request | `{Action}{Entity}Request` | `CreateOrderRequest`, `UpdateUserRequest` |
| Response | `{Entity}Response` | `OrderResponse`, `UserResponse` |
| Collection | `{Entity}CollectionResponse` | `OrderCollectionResponse` |
| Application | `{Entity}DTO` | `UserDTO`, `OrderDTO` |
| Integration | `{Service}{Action}Response` | `PaymentGatewayResponse` |

---

## Quick Template Reference

### Request DTO

```php
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

```php
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

```php
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;
}
```

---

## Anti-patterns to Avoid

| Anti-pattern | Problem | Solution |
|--------------|---------|----------|
| Business Logic | DTO with calculations | Keep DTOs data-only |
| Mutable DTO | setters, state changes | Use readonly, immutable |
| Domain Objects | Returning entities from API | Map to Response DTO |
| Anemic Validation | No input validation | Use Assert attributes |
| Deep Nesting | Complex nested DTOs | Flatten or split |
| Missing Serialization | No JSON support | Implement JsonSerializable |

---

## 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

---
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<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->