problem with returning an array from a function

[koen]

I'm trying to return $example from a function my_function(). I have it set up like this:

function my_function() {
 $example=array("key1" => "", "key2" => "");
 return $example
}

my_function();
print_r ($example);

This doesn't work as it keeps complaining about an Undefined variable: example.

[harmor]

Try it like this

function my_function(key, value) {
$example = array("$key" => "$value");
return $example[$key];
}

my_function(key_name_here,value_here);

If it works I'll explain what it's doing.

[koen]

But I have to call the function for every key and value that is in my current function (about 10). That wouldn't be a gain if I had to do that everytime I'd call the function.

[harmor]

Why put it in a function?
I think there's no need for it.