Re: Re: Design points (was: parent_ctor())

At 19:26 18-07-00, Kristian Köhntopp wrote:

Stanislav Malyshev wrote: KK>> Actually, I consider the ability to keep structures with references KK>> across serialization essential (*1), and the language below should make KK>> this easy, or at least possible. But that doesn't mean PHP references don't work right. They aren't just a tool for what you want to do (yet?) You are right, PHP references are just a tool, and currently an inadequate tool.

Inadequate for your use? So don't use it. You're using the wrong tool for the job. They're adequate for what they're designed to do, which is not what you're doing, otherwise you'd realize they're adequate. The ability, or lack of ability to serialize references is MEANINGLESS as far as the adequacy of references is concerned. References are a run-time programming tool, designed to do MUCH less than what you expect it to do; It wasn't designed with persistence in mind, which is quite alright; It also wasn't designed with data structures in mind, as I stated yesterday. It's good as a programming tool (note, it's GOOD as a programming tool), and if it doesn't suit your needs - don't use it. Zeev -- Zeev Suraski <zeev@zend.com> http://www.zend.com/