PHP functions as variables

Question

When I do something like this:

$query = mysql_query("INSERT INTO something (something) VALUES('".$something."')");  
if($query){
//do stuff
}

or

$mailstuff = mail($to,$subject,$message,$headers);
if($mailstuff){
//do stuff
}

Which part of the code actually executes the function? The if or the declaration? References appreciated.

Thanks

Mr. Alien · Accepted Answer · 2012-11-13 04:51:57Z

4

Explanation in the code...

$mailstuff = mail($to,$subject,$message,$headers);
             ^-----------------------------------^
            /*  This part executes the function */


if($mailstuff) {
  ^----------^
/* Condition Here Checks whether the function is successfully executed */
//do stuff
}

PHP function() Reference

answered Nov 13, 2012 at 4:51

Mr. Alien

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3 Comments

Mr. Alien Over a year ago

@WesleyMurch Actually but he needs some reference, I thought he might take a look how functions actually work

I wrestled a bear once. Over a year ago

So, I'll assume the server parses it on the first occurrence? This is exactly what I was looking for, thanks.

Mr. Alien Over a year ago

@Adelphia It actually executes the code inside the function when you declare it...

Maël Nison · Accepted Answer · 2012-11-13 05:19:49Z

1

$mailstuff = mail($to,$subject,$message,$headers);

if($mailstuff) {
    //do stuff
}

Here is what will be done (in the correct order) :

mail($to,$subject,$message,$headers)
The mail function has returned something. This something is assigned to $mailstuff.
The if statement will check if the something in $mailstuff is somewhat equal to true

Please not that contrary to what you suggest in your comment, the server will parse all the code before actually executing it.

edited Nov 13, 2012 at 5:19

answered Nov 13, 2012 at 5:08

Maël Nison

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2 Comments

I wrestled a bear once. Over a year ago

i guess i should look up the definition of the word "parse". Thanks

Maël Nison Over a year ago

The parsing will construct a tree of the source code that the computer can understand. The engine will then execute it. Between the two of them, a compiler can convert the tree to bytecode to speed up the execution. That's not very important in the original question, just nice to know :)

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