php function variable scope

Question

I was wondering if i have a function like this:

function isAdmin ($user_id) {

    $admin_arr = array(1, 2);

    foreach ($admin_arr as $value) {

        if ($value == $user_id) {
            return true;
        }
    }

    return false;
}

Could i make an array outside of that function as a global array and use it inside the function without sending it through as a parameter, also instead declaring a new admin array inside the function as i just did above? How would i do this?

Regards, Alexander

Yes you could, but avoid globals as much as possible. What is the problem with passing it to the function? — Felix Kling
– Felix Kling, Commented May 6, 2011 at 13:23
I think you can use define() to make it as a constant if that array is actually a constant. — albb
– albb, Commented May 6, 2011 at 13:28

No Results Found · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-06 13:28:49Z

12

To answer literal question:

// Global variable
$admin_arr = array(1, 2);

function isAdmin ($user_id) {

    // Declare global
    global $admin_arr;

    foreach ($admin_arr as $value) {

        if ($value == $user_id) {
            return true;
        }
    }

return false;
}

Documentation here: http://php.net/manual/en/language.variables.scope.php

To answer the REAL question: Avoid global at all costs. You are introducing a plethora of error prone code into your application. Relying on global variables is entering a world of pain and makes your functions less useful.

Avoid it unless you absolutely see no other way.

edited May 6, 2011 at 13:28

answered May 6, 2011 at 13:26

No Results Found

103k38 gold badges199 silver badges232 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

peaceman · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-06 13:26:10Z

1

you have to do this with the global keyword

here an example

$arr = array('bar');
function foo() {
    global $arr;
    echo array_pop($arr);
}
foo();

answered May 6, 2011 at 13:26

peaceman

2,61920 silver badges14 bronze badges

Comments

Michael Berkowski · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-06 13:32:52Z

1

I concur with others that this is not the preferred way to do it, and you should be passing the array as a parameter, but I just wanted to point out the $GLOBALS[] superglobal array, which I find more readable than the global keyword.

$global_array = array(1,2,3);

function myfunc()
{
  echo $GLOBALS['global_array'][0];
  print_r($GLOBALS['global_array']);
}

answered May 6, 2011 at 13:32

Michael Berkowski

271k47 gold badges450 silver badges395 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

php function variable scope

3 Answers 3

Comments

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

3 Answers 3

Comments

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related