Fatal error: Can't use function return value in write context [closed]

Question

the page code is all html and it wont load bec. of this error:

Fatal error: Can't use function return value in write context line 142

code:

<div>
    <div class="">
        <input type="text" id="select_shelves" name="select_shelves" class="shelves_select_and_buttons" />
        <div id="shelves_menu" >
            <ul>
                <li id="li_" onclick="printValue();">option5 <= line 142 </li>
            </ul>
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="button">
        <input type="button" onclick="dropShelves();" id="Shelves_select_button" name="Shelves_select_button" value="" class="grey_button"/>
    </div>
</div>

I don't think the question is clear enough as you posted it. Also why did you tag the question PHP? Wouldn't HTML and Javascript be more suitable? — Trufa
– Trufa, Commented Apr 18, 2011 at 13:16
The error is thrown by doing something like foo() = 'something'. Perhaps you're comparing with = instead of ==...? — ircmaxell
– ircmaxell, Commented Apr 18, 2011 at 13:17
What are you trying to do with those edits? Please use the comment system to explain your question. — Trufa
– Trufa, Commented Apr 18, 2011 at 13:22

shadyyx · Accepted Answer · 2013-08-14 10:18:16Z

32

If there is some PHP behind, the problem could be calling a function empty($var) in this way:

if(empty($var = getMyVar())) { ... }

Instead of this You should call it this way:

$var = getMyVar();
if(empty($var)) { ... }

Or better (as deceze has pointed out)

if(!getMyVar()) { ... }

Problem causes also other similar functions (isset, is_a, is_null, etc).

edited Aug 14, 2013 at 10:18

answered Apr 18, 2011 at 13:19

shadyyx

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8 Comments

ircmaxell Over a year ago

Again, this will not throw the Can't use function return value in write context (on 5.3, it'll throw a syntax error)...

bm2001 Over a year ago

there is no php code just html

Trufa Over a year ago

@bm2001: if there is only HTML code, what is throwing you that error??? and why did you tag the question PHP?

AJJ Over a year ago

stackoverflow.com/questions/1532693/…

deceze Over a year ago

Just do if (!getMyVar()). No empty needed at all.

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Ian Wood · Accepted Answer · 2011-04-18 13:16:21Z

14

you are probably using something like:

if(empty(urFunc($foo)){
    ....
}

which won't work.

what ever it is (look for the lien number in the error to locate it) change it to:

$foo = urFunc($bar);
if(empty($foo)){
    ....
}

that should fix it.

answered Apr 18, 2011 at 13:16

Ian Wood

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8 Comments

ircmaxell Over a year ago

That will not generate that error. The error you'd get would be different (there would be an error though)...

Ian Wood Over a year ago

erm... I was fairly sure it that it will (forums.devshed.com/php-development-5/…)

Trufa Over a year ago

I would suggest to reply to @ircmaxell like this since otherwise he won't get notified I think...

deceze Over a year ago

What you really want is if (!urFunc($bar)). No empty needed at all.

Ian Wood Over a year ago

@KevinVanRyckegem php.net/manual/en/function.empty.php - priorto 5.5 you could only use it on variables.

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