PHP Str_replace for echo function

Question

The following function is part of code written into the core of a plugin I am reverse engineering. The problem with it is that I need to do an str_replace on it and I cannot because it is already set to echo.

The function is.

function similar_posts($args = '') {
    echo SimilarPosts::execute($args);
}

I call it in my pages using similar_posts(), but what I really need to do in my theme is call $related = similar_posts(), however that function is set to echo. How do I change that.

I tried this.

 function get_similar_posts($args = '') {
        SimilarPosts::execute($args);
    }

But that did not produce any results.

try return SimilarPosts::execute($args);, then you can do the $related = similar_posts() — codeling
– codeling, Commented Dec 14, 2011 at 14:03

GordonM · Accepted Answer · 2011-12-14 14:03:32Z

2

function get_similar_posts($args = '') {
    return (SimilarPosts::execute($args));
}

answered Dec 14, 2011 at 14:03

GordonM

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5 Comments

Filip Roséen Over a year ago

return is a keyword, not a function. Please don't wrap whatever being returned in ().

GordonM Over a year ago

It always looks wrong to me when it's not, and I don't see any reason why I shouldn't.

Filip Roséen Over a year ago

It's prone to future errors, if you (as an example) would like to return a variable my reference but wrap it in (), it will not work.

GordonM Over a year ago

PHP's own manual advises against returning by reference unless you absolutely have to anyway. Objexts are always passed by reference these days, and things like arrays utilise Copy On Write so there's rarely anything to be gained by returning by reference.

Filip Roséen Over a year ago

PHP's own manual also advises using return without (), php.net/manual/en/function.return.php

Filip Roséen · Accepted Answer · 2011-12-14 14:33:04Z

2

If you want to use the value SimilarPosts::execute ($args) returns, you'll need to use the keyword 'return' inside your get_similar_posts.

function get_similar_posts ($args = '') {
  return SimilarPosts::execute($args);
}

If you are unable to change the definition of get_similar_posts there are ways to snatch the content printed by similar_posts even though it's "set to echo".

This can be accompished by using the Output Control Functions available in PHP.

function echo_hello_world () {
  echo "hello world";
}

$printed_data = ""; 

ob_start (); 
{
  echo_hello_world (); 

  $printed_data = ob_get_contents (); 
}
ob_end_clean (); 

echo "echo_hello_world () printed '$printed_data'\n";

output

echo_hello_world () printed 'hello world'

edited Dec 14, 2011 at 14:33

answered Dec 14, 2011 at 14:03

Filip Roséen

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Comments

user529649 · Accepted Answer · 2011-12-14 14:02:54Z

1

Use return instead of echo.

So that you have:

 return SimilarPosts::execute($args);

instead of:

 echo SimilarPosts::execute($args);

answered Dec 14, 2011 at 14:02

user529649

Comments

JRL · Accepted Answer · 2011-12-14 14:02:42Z

1

Wrap the function inside another in which you use output buffering.

answered Dec 14, 2011 at 14:02

JRL

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1 Comment

user529649 Over a year ago

The OP is able to change the code as he is reveries engineering it. SO buffer control is the wrong way I reckon.

Walrus · Accepted Answer · 2011-12-14 14:02:54Z

1

Done it..

function get_similar_posts($args = '') {
    return SimilarPosts::execute($args);
}

and on the page get_similar_posts();

Should have thought of that.

answered Dec 14, 2011 at 14:02

Walrus

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Comments

Michael Berkowski · Accepted Answer · 2011-12-14 14:02:59Z

1

return from the function:

function get_similar_posts($args = '') {
     return  SimilarPosts::execute($args);
}

answered Dec 14, 2011 at 14:02

Michael Berkowski

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