Obtaining multiple values: Utilizing array versus modifying referenced parameters

Question

Obtaining multiple values: Utilizing array versus modifying referenced parameters

Whenever I need to return multiple values as a result of my function (for example, a boolean indicating the success of a specific operation and a message detailing the error or success message), I often ponder the most effective method. Should these multiple values be returned in an array, or should the function arguments be passed by reference with their values altered?

function myFunction($input){
    ...
    return array("success" => true/false, "message" => "Internal Error"/"Success");
}

Alternatively,

function myFunction($input, &$success, &$message){
    ...
    $success = true;
    $message = "Operation successful!";
}

What is considered best practice in such scenarios? Both methods have been observed in various codebases, across different programming languages.

php arrays parameters reference return

Answer 1

Answer №1

The choice between the two methods ultimately comes down to your specific use-case and which one aligns best with your requirements. While both approaches are valid, the second method is often preferred for its compatibility with certain built-in PHP functions like exec. If you do not require an array output from the start, such as when working with JSON data, utilizing references and returning a simple true or false based on success can be more efficient. In situations where the message retrieval is necessary, you can easily access it through the referenced variable.

function customFunction($input, &$return_message) {
    if($input ...) {
        $return_message = 'Action 1 executed successfully';
        return true;
    } else {
        $return_message = 'Invalid input provided';
    }

    return false;
}

$msg = "";
$action = customFunction(array('Hello'), $msg);
if($action === true) {
    echo 'Action completed!';
} else {
    die('Action was not successful. Error message: '.$msg);
}

Answer 2

The choice between the two methods ultimately comes down to your specific use-case and which one aligns best with your requirements. While both approaches are valid, the second method is often preferred for its compatibility with certain built-in PHP functions like exec. If you do not require an array output from the start, such as when working with JSON data, utilizing references and returning a simple true or false based on success can be more efficient. In situations where the message retrieval is necessary, you can easily access it through the referenced variable.

function customFunction($input, &$return_message) {
    if($input ...) {
        $return_message = 'Action 1 executed successfully';
        return true;
    } else {
        $return_message = 'Invalid input provided';
    }

    return false;
}

$msg = "";
$action = customFunction(array('Hello'), $msg);
if($action === true) {
    echo 'Action completed!';
} else {
    die('Action was not successful. Error message: '.$msg);
}

Obtaining multiple values: Utilizing array versus modifying referenced parameters

Answer №1

Similar questions

Configuring Laravel to operate on a specific port number?

What is the best way to convert a series of sentences into JSON format?

Searching for specific patterns using MySQL and PHP - What is the best approach?

Is there a way for me to create a clickable link from a specific search result retrieved from a MySQL database using an AJAX

How to delete a substring within special characters using PHP or WordPress

Example of creating a minimalistic Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture

Using Drupal 8 with Nginx as a reverse proxy in a subdirectory configuration

Loading a gallery dynamically using AJAX in a CakePHP application

Transfer of part of a JSON object

Add a fresh text field with the click of a button and delete it with another button in Laravel 4

Discovering common elements in various arrays of objects

Toggle the image and update the corresponding value in the MySQL database upon clicking

Creating an if-else statement in PHP based on a JSON response - what's the best way to

Why is the var_dump returning null?

Utilize a foreach loop to incorporate additional inputs into an intricate form array

SQL Injection - what more could you ask for?

Is it possible for individuals on the local network to view the webpage?

Issue with the Doctrine mapped field functionality has arisen

Modifying the array structure will deselect all individual <Input> elements that have been iterated

The error message "Required parameters are missing in Laravel" indicates that some essential