PHP set multiple variables from a function

Question

I am trying to set three variables from a test function.

Here's my code so far:

function test()
{
    $x = 1;
    $y = 2;
    $z = 3; 


}

test();

# should print '1', '2', and '3'
echo $x; 
echo $y;
echo $z;

you would have to make your variable global, or return the values from the function in the form of an array. — thescientist
– thescientist, Commented Jan 30, 2012 at 19:00
Maybe because OP has made no effort to search for the answer... it's asked here on almost a daily basis — Mark Baker
– Mark Baker, Commented Jan 30, 2012 at 19:28

Jakub · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-30 19:01:12Z

4

Just return an object or an array (array is probably the way to go):

function test(){
   $data = array(
     'x' => 1,
     'y' => 2,
     'z' => 3
   );

   return $data;

}

print_r( test() );

or call each value:

echo $data['x'];
...

answered Jan 30, 2012 at 19:01

Jakub

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2 Comments

Mike Over a year ago

or print_r($data) to print out all the variables from the output array

Mike Over a year ago

oh yes ... i didn't see that you already put that there. sorry

RobinJ · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-30 19:06:21Z

3

There'd be 3 easy-to-apply options in this case. One would be to pass the variables by reference, in stead of by value. The other would be to return an array. Another option would be to use global variables.
Here's an example of both:

By reference

<?php
function example (&$x, &$y, &$z)
{
    $x = 1;
    $y = 2;
    $z = 3;
}
?>

Passing a variable by reference means that you're passing the actual variable (the space allocated for it in the computer's memory), in stead of by value (just passing the value to the function) as usual.
So when you pass a variable by reference (which the & character does), and you manipulate the value, the value of the original variable gets changed as well.

Returning an array

<?php
function example ($x, $y, $z)
{
    $arr['x'] = 1;
    $arr['y'] = 2;
    $arr['z'] = 3;

    return $arr;
}
?>

Now you can access the values by using $arr['x'];, $arr['y']; and $arr['z'];.

Global variables

<?php
$x = 0;
$y = 0;
$z = 0;

function example ()
{
    global $x, $y, $z;

    $x = 1;
    $y = 2;
    $z = 3;
}
?>

answered Jan 30, 2012 at 19:06

RobinJ

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1 Comment

geilt Over a year ago

Reference worked perfect for my use case. Thanks for the different explanations.

akira · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-30 19:08:24Z

2

options:

use references:

function test(&$x, &$y, &$z) {
    $x = 1;
    $y = 2;
    $z = 3;
}

or return an array and use extract:

function test() {
    return array(
        'x' => 1,
        'y' => 2,
        'z' => 3
    );
}

extract(test());

edited Jan 30, 2012 at 19:08

answered Jan 30, 2012 at 19:02

akira

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Comments

Michal · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-30 19:04:26Z

1

Define the variables as global? Like:

function test()
{
    global $x, $y, $z;
    $x = 1;
    $y = 2;
    $z = 3; 
}

answered Jan 30, 2012 at 19:04

Michal

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5 Comments

Webby Over a year ago

Picked this answer for its simpleness

Michal Over a year ago

thnx, simple question simple answer :)

Jakub Over a year ago

This answer is incorrect tho, as a global var is never returned, and it's really poor programming to go this route...

Michal Over a year ago

well, this works codepad.viper-7.com/iIzWP7 the variables don't have to be returned... going with an array as you suggested is not the best solution too...

Michal Over a year ago

btw @Jakub, it is based on a example featured on php.net/manual/en/language.variables.scope.php in Example #1 Using global so I suggest that you notify the php.net team about their poor programming too...

akond · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-31 07:22:24Z

1

function func ()
{
    return array (
        'x' => 1,
        'y' => 3,
        'z' => 42
    );
}


extract (func ());

echo $x, $y, $z;

or

function func ()
{
    return array (
         1,
         3,
         42
    );
}

list ($x, $y, $z) = func ();

edited Jan 31, 2012 at 7:22

answered Jan 30, 2012 at 19:07

akond

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