Can't access array created by a function

[Anon]

I know I am missing something obvious here, but I can't seem to see what it it is. I simply want to access an array that is built by a function. The reason is just to move a long array definition to the bottom of the code, for clarity. But then build the array at the top of the code, by calling a function. Here is where I am at...

<?

build_array;

echo $a["color"]; // should print red

function build_array() {
$a = array ("color" => "red");

}

?>

Why won't this print red?

Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks,
-Bob

[Anon]

Because you aren't taking into account variable scope. PHP like most languages keeps it's variables separate from each other, so you can use the same variable name in differnet scopes and they won't interfear with each other.

<?php
$test = "This is a test<br>";

print $test;
print test_func();
print $test;

function test_func() {
$test = "So is this<br>";
return $test;
}

That code will output:
This is a test
So is this
This is a test

Showing you that your $test variable inside the global scope (everything not in a function or class) is kept separate from your variable $test inside the function. If you want to access the information outside of your fuction I suggest that you return it to the calling scope (global in this case).

<?php
$a = build_array();

echo $a["color"]; // should print red

function build_array() {
$a = array ("color" => "red");
return $a;
}
?>

[Anon]

Rob,

Thank you so much for your quick and accurate response. That solved it right there.

Much apprciated, thanks,

-Bob