[RESOLVED] php5 - global variable clarification

Code:

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$a = 1;
$b = 2;


function nekkidrage()

  global $a, $b;

  exit()

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Will $a = 1 and $b = 2 in the function? If so is this the best approach?

yes, they will be available to the function. this approach is perfectly fine. you could also use the $GLOBALS array, but I prefer the method you posted.

PHP Code:

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function sum(){
  return $GLOBALS['a'] + $GLOBALS['b'];
} 


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more on variable scope

I prefer not to use globals — for things which require global access, I use static variables in classes.

This approach gives you organisation: you can have a settings class, a database class, and so on.

A function to me should be self-contained (unlike a class method). It should be stateless and deterministic — the same input should always give the same output — unless it is specifically otherwise (such as a pseudo-random algorithm).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by penagate

I prefer not to use globals — for things which require global access, I use static variables in classes.

This approach gives you organisation: you can have a settings class, a database class, and so on.

A function to me should be self-contained (unlike a class method). This means it takes input (arguments) and returns output, which doesn't depend on any other factors.

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Baby steps for me dude, learning php as I go. Maybe next verison of the software :)

That's general advice, not just for PHP. Your approach is perfectly valid; I'm just offering another viewpoint.

Objects exist to provide state and so my opinion is that any function which requires state should be a class method.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by penagate

That's general advice, not just for PHP. Your approach is perfectly valid; I'm just offering another viewpoint.

Objects exist to provide state and so my opinion is that any function which requires state should be a class method.

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Not dissing the approach, simply stating there's a time factor involved so as much as I might like to add all the decent programming approaches I don't have time to learn them all.

Nice function name, by the way...