function returns null

soulmaniac

I know I'm doing something wrong here, but I've stared myself blind at the problem. I'd appreciate if anyone could help point me in the right direction.

The problem is pretty simple. The following function should be returning the value if it is greater than 5, and increment the value if it is less than 5. However, when the if criteria is met, the value returned is null. I've tried printing the result directly instead of returning it, in which case it works perfectly. What's wrong with my return command?

function go_test($num) {

if ($num > 5) return $num;

else go_test($num + 1);

}

echo go_test(1);

Note: If I feed the function with a value greater than 5 (ex. 6) the function returns the correct value (6). ??

Thanx a lot,
soulmaniac

soulmaniac

Fixed it with a do... while loop, this time.

Anyways, if anyone wants to dabble with the problem of the non returning function, I'd still be happy to know what went wrong.

All the best
soulmaniac

biz

Your function is attempting to use whats called "recursion". The problem occurs because when you 'recurse' into the function again (call it while inside itself) you are not saving the return value.

In other words, when you call go_test() you are not saving the recursive call's return value, which you should...try this:

function go_test($num)
{
  return ($num>5 ? $num : go_test($num+1));
} 

echo go_test(1);

or (more simple example)

function go_test($num)
{
  if($num > 5)
    return $num;
  else
    return go_test($num+1);
} 

echo go_test(1);

I haven't tested any of this code...but it should work...