PHP reference parameters vs return function

Question

I have function that will process some array and change it for example sort, remove some chars from it etc.

My question here is if it is better to use:

1. Reference parameter like this:

public function doStuff(&$data) {
    // $data processing here
}

and then my array will be changed without next assigment.

2. Calculate result and then return the result like this:

public function doStuff($data) {
    // $data processing here
    return $data;
}

So I need to assign result after processing.

Which is better (faster/recommended) solution to use? I have several arrays of 1000s records on which I want to apply my calculations.

user1402647 · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-08 08:20:06Z

2

If you are planning to modify original array then by reference or first approach should be selected, since it will work on original array and without creating a temporary variable to work thus saving memory and other processing time.

If you are planning to work with original as well as new array then go for by value or second approach.

answered Jul 8, 2013 at 8:20

user1402647

4804 silver badges9 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

PHP reference parameters vs return function

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related