#26484 [NEW]: "Returning References" could do with more info

From: sdavey at datalink dot net dot au Operating system: NA PHP version: 4.3.2 PHP Bug Type: Documentation problem Bug description: "Returning References" could do with more info Description: ------------ The Returning References manual page contains the following comment: "Note: Unlike parameter passing, here you have to use & in both places - to indicate that you return by-reference, not a copy as usual, and to indicate that reference binding, rather than usual assignment, should be done for $foo." It refers to pass-by-reference, where you have to use the ampersand in both the function *and* in the assignment of the function value to a variable. It is not clear what would happen if you didn't put the ampersand in both places, and it would be nice to have someone explain this. I'm a fairly seasoned PHP developer, but references are complex, and judging by the user comments in various places in the manual concerning them I think it would be great to have a sentance or two clarify this. I know it's only a minor request, but for developers seeking to fine-tune their code, understanding references is clearly the way to go. Thanks, Scott. -- Edit bug report at http://bugs.php.net/?id=26484&edit=1 -- Try a CVS snapshot (php4): http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=trysnapshot4 Try a CVS snapshot (php5): http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=trysnapshot5 Fixed in CVS: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=fixedcvs Fixed in release: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=alreadyfixed Need backtrace: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=needtrace Need Reproduce Script: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=needscript Try newer version: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=oldversion Not developer issue: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=support Expected behavior: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=notwrong Not enough info: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=notenoughinfo Submitted twice: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=submittedtwice register_globals: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=globals PHP 3 support discontinued: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=php3 Daylight Savings: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=dst IIS Stability: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=isapi Install GNU Sed: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=gnused Floating point limitations: http://bugs.php.net/fix.php?id=26484&r=float