OOP - returning values

[ezekiel]

I need some help. How do I return a variable from an linked class instead of echo/printing the value from inside the class? Ok check out my example:

---- test.obj ----
class testOOP
{
function doSomethin($var)
{
if($var > 1)
{
$this->msg = "Say Somethin";
//increase the value of variable
$var++;
}
else
{
$this->msg = "Give Error";
}
//echo results to calling page
echo $msg;
}
}
---- test.php ----
<?
include("pathto/test.obj");

if(isset($HTTP_POST_VAR["var1"])
{
$testFunction = new testOOP();
$testFunction->doSomethin($var);
}
else
{
redirect blah blah blah
}
?>

I want to return $msg variable from my class rather than echo my value. I want to be able to use my variable value to modify other functions and variables.

Anyways, thanks 🙂

[amcgrath]

return $msg...

[ezekiel]

yeah, i know. I was expecting that answer.....

But, how do access the variable again? when i try I get the same value as before I instantiated the class and i've tried $testFunction->msg. No value shows up....

[ezekiel]

Yes, return does workin for inline functions. But what about when I call classes that are stored in external files like I've done?

Return doesn't seem to work just right. Is there a trick I'm missing?

[ezekiel]

Ok, I figured it out 🙂

In order to return a value from a class that exist in an external file, the variable I want to return must be declared as a GLOBAL.

I know overuse of globals is bad, is that really a problem in PHP? Should I worry about his?

[bfinucan]

Hello,
If you are using 'return' in your doSomethin() method instead of 'echo', this will put the value of $this->msg into the variable:

<?
include("pathto/test.obj");

if(isset($HTTP_POST_VAR["var1"])
{
$testFunction = new testOOP();
$message = $testFunction->doSomethin($var);
}
else
{
redirect blah blah blah
}
?>