Clean PHP code: is it possible?

[rubenbla]

Hi all:

When I used to program in Cobol, C & co., I managed to get clean an easy to read code:

// sample program

// main body:
    global variables...

    if(condition)
    {
        do_stuff_1();
    }
    else
    {
        do_stuff_2();
    }

// functions
function do_stuff_1()
{
    lots of code accesing global variables...
}

function do_stuff_2()
{
    lots of code accesing global variables...
}

[/COLOR]

Now with PHP I find real trouble to do the same, due to GLOBAL variables not being able to be accessed from functions, unless I declare them especifically in every function (quite boring, error prone, and difficult to debug):

// sample PHP program 1

// main body:

    if(condition)
    {
        do_stuff_1();
    }
    else
    {
        do_stuff_2();
    }

// functions
function do_stuff_1()
{
    global variables...
    lots of code accesing global variables...
}

function do_stuff_2()
{
    AGAIN global variables...
    lots of code accesing global variables...
}

[/COLOR]

So, I use to opt for this ugly solution:

// sample PHP program 2

// main body:

    if(condition)
    {
        // stuff 1
        lots of code accesing global variables...
    }
    else
    {
        // stuff 2
        lots of code accesing global variables...
        }

[/COLOR]
And this way uses to render really big if - elses, difficult to find the end of the brackets, difficult to modularize, etc.

Any ideas on a nice way to do this things (besides not using global vars)?

[weekender]

i think static might be of use... read about it here

[rubenbla]

[FONT=courier new]static[/FONT] variables are not the solution, since you have to declare them again and again in every function that uses them.

Thanks anyway ;-)

[Eric_Bartels]

I have the problem, too. It's really disturbing to declare these vars in every function again and again.

Using them as function parameters/references could be one option :rolleyes:

[phence]

well normally when working with php for web applications, you looking for the fastes code, and unfortunatly ofen the fastest code is the ugly-ist.

my 2 cents

[tomhath]

I suppose if you must use globals like that, one way would be to put them all in an include file and include it in every function. At least that way it's a one liner and every function gets updated when you add/remove/change a variable.

[surfside]

Yes the holy grail of coding (if only).

I have come up with my own tidy approach to assist the concept of tidy. It does not solve the global vars factor however even I can read what has been done down the track.

Simply all function are prewitten and may exist in an include file.

Then the script will contain the step by step calls to those functions.

E.G.
<?php
require("my_routines");
#*******************

Main Coding

#*******************
page_header;
company_logo;
page_content;
page_footer;
?>

Good Bye.

[rubenbla]

Thanks for all your comments, my ultimate solution was similar to tomhath approach, but a bit easier, I guess:

Just put all the global stuff into an associative array, let's say $globs. Declare this array as a global var in all the functions and, there it is! Just add new entries to $globs as you need them and all the functions will have access to them automatically.

UOoops!:eek: This won't be so good if you need to use associative arrays as global variables, or even objects! In this case, the "include" solution is the winner. Or even better, add the $glob to the include file and you've got the best of both solutions 🙂

bye bye