Elements in array returned by a function

[quark]

I've got a short question. I've written a function that returns an array. How can I access the elements of that array without first assigning a variable to the array returned by the function?

That doesn't work:
echo CalculateResult($order)[0];

That does work:
$temp=CalculateResult($order);
echo $temp[0];

It is very annoying to have two lines of code to print that. So is there a way of accessing the element directly?

[Anon]

I'm pretty sure you have to stick with the way that works in you're example. That's the way I do it and it's the way PHP's functions work.

Nick

[quark]

Sigh. I still don't think my first idea was stupid. 🙂 Would save me a lot of time.

[[deleted]]

Be glad that this doesn't work:

echo CalculateResult($order)[0];

Because if it did, you'd be executing CalculateResult() every time you use this statement, which is NOT what you want if the function returned 1000 results.

Instead, use references, and return only true/false:

function CalculateResult($input, &$aOutput)
{
if (fetch_from_database_or_whatever)
{
$aOutput = array('your','output','here');
return true;
}
else
{
$aOutput = array();
return false;
};
};

if (CalculateResult('bla', $aMyResults))
{
echo $aMyResults[0];
}
else
{
echo 'calculate failed';
};

[quark]

Well, I guess I have to be more specific here to make my point.
CalculateResult($match) calculates the point of two contestants in a tourney. So it looks at a few values and returns the points for each contestant. CalculateResult($match)[0] would be the points of one contestant and CalculateResult($match)[1] of the other.
Returning true or false isn't an option of course.

I understand that this could take quite long when using database queries, but in my case the function is done in a few milliseconds.

[Anon]

Whats wrong eith:
$result=CalculateResult($you_values);
print($result[0]);
print($result[1]);

I don't see the problem?
Am I missing the point?

Nick

[[deleted]]

Looks like you totally missed the point of my post.
Nevermind.

[[deleted]]

Not much, but it doesn't let you check wether the function worked or not.

[quark]

I didn't miss the point of your post, it's just that there are situations where my suggestion comes in handy. I can't see why it should be mae impossible, just because it could result in lots of unnecessary calls to the database.
There are lots of functions in PHP that can be very time-consuming if not used properly and it'd just be nice if I could use my expression, I don't want to force anybody else to use it.
You'd have to see my 2000 lines of code to understand why I find it annoying, I have my reasons. But more than that I find it illogical to be able to return an array, but not being able to access its elements directly. I can do that with single elements after all, why not with elements of arrays? Just because it could wreak havoc is not a reason...

[[deleted]]

It's not that it 'could' result in lots of unnecessary calls, it WILL create lots of unnecessary calls. Every time you acces an element from the function php will have to execute the function first.

It is much more efficient to run the function and store the output in an array, or like I posted, let the function create the vars for you.

Moreover, your method means that you can't do any error trapping, which is by itself a reason not to do it.

Anyway I can't imagine adding one extra line is a problem in only 2000 lines of code.